Bold, inventive and highly graphic, the indigenous art of the Northwest Coast is distinguished by its sophistication and complexity. It is also composed of basically simple elements, which, guided by a rich mythology, create images of striking power. This indispensable and beautifully illustrated book is the first to introduce everyone, from the casual observer to the serious collector of Northwest Coast prints, to the forms, cultural background and structures of this highly imaginative art. The elements of style are introduced; the myths and legends which shape the motifs are interpreted; the stylistic differences between the major cultural groupings are defined and illustrated. Raven, Thunderbird, Killer Whale, Bear: all the traditional forms are here, deftly analyzed by a professional writer and artist who has a deep understanding of this powerful culture.

Estampe des Peuples autochtones Nord-Ouest, Côte (Amérique du Nord), Indian art, Indian art Northwest Coast of North America, Indian prints, Indian prints Northwest Coast of North America, Indiens Amérique du Nord Colombie-Britannique Art, Indiens Amérique du Nord Nord-Ouest, Côte Art, Native art Northwest Coast of North America, North America

The two-dimensional art The basic components: Form line Ovoid Inner ovoid U form split U form S form Anatomical features: Body Eyes Nose Ears Eyebrows Tongue Arms, legs, hands, feet, claws Bird feathers, tails and wings Structural Variations: Split figures Transformation figures A design fitted to a given shape Identification of design motifs: Whale Bear Wolf Mountain goat Otter Beaver Sea lion Seal Eagle Raven Hawk Hummingbird Loon Owl Thunderbird Frog Sisiutl Salmon Dogfish Halibut Red snapper Bullhead Sea monster Mosquito Sun Moon Box designs Human Cultural styles: Coast Salish West coast (Nootka) Kwagiutl 'Ksan Haida Tlingit. Artists cited in index: Frank Charlie (Kwya Tseeck Tchuss Miyuh) Joe David Robert Davidson Amos Dawson (Chief Ne-Ka-Penkum) Beau Dick Freda Diesing Charles Edenshaw Stan Greene Walter Harris Sharon Hitchcock Calvin Hunt Henry Hunt Richard Hunt Tony Hunt Hupquatchew (Ron Hamilton) Phil Janzé Gerry Marks Mungo Martin Ken Mowatt Earl Muldoe Tim Paul Bill Reid Larry Rosso (Sisakolas) Ron Sebastian Robert Sebastian Jerry Smith Russell Smith (Awasatlas) Vernon Stephens Art Sterritt Neil Sterritt Norman Tait Art Thompson Roy Henry Vickers Clarence Wells Don Yeomans