Northwest Coast Totemic Art

Northwest coastal and southeast Alaska native groups created the basis of their art in woodcarving, utilizing primarily the red and yellow cedars that grew nearby. Although each indigenous culture had their own tradition, the similarities among native cultures from as far south as Puget Sound to as far North as the terminus of Alaska's inside passage is apparent in objects as diverse as wooden bowls, hats, dance rattles, and of course the most recognizable totem poles. The totem designs also were traditional on copper or silver jewelry, as well as clothing, knives, boxes, and other practical items.