Northwest Coast Woodwork
The Northwest Coast of North America is a narrow strip of land that
is bounded on the east by mountains and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
It runs from the southeastern part of Alaska for approximately 2000 miles
to the northernmost tip of California, and is characterized by a temperate
climate, heavy annual rainfall, and a rain forest of evergreen trees. This
is a rugged coast of fjords and islands, where the mountains are steep
and often come right to the sea. There are numerous rivers that run east-west
through the mountains to the ocean. The dense coastal forests of red and
yellow cedars, spruces, fir, and yew support abundant animal life: bear,
mountain lion, wolf, fox, deer, elk, mountain goat, and many smaller species
of mammals, including several furbearing types - beaver, mink, and otter.
Riverine and ocean fish abound, as do marine mammals such as sea lions,
seals, and whales. Tidal flats provide habitat for shellfish, and migratory
waterfowl are plentiful.
This land of abundant resources provided a rich sustenance for the native peoples
of the Northwest Coast. The population is estimated to have been more than 250,000
in pre-European times. There was great linguistic diversity in the area, with
at least eight language families represented by more than twice that many languages.
These people lived off the bounties of nature - hunting, fishing, and collecting
the many resources available. They lived in permanent villages of large wooden
houses and developed a complex and sophisticated socio-political and ritual
life. (Click here to learn more.) They are famous
for their dance dramas and beautiful artwork, particularly that done in wood,
basketry, and textiles. 
The Northwest Coast cultures are well-known for their magnificent woodworking traditions. From the large cedars and other trees of the area they built their huge houses, constructed great sea-going canoes, sculpted tall totem poles, and carved many beautiful boxes, bowls, dance masks, and other objects. Here we exhibit a sampling of Northwest Coast art in the SRJC Museum collection.
Northwest Coast Woodwork | Northwest Coast Ranked Societies | Southwest Kachina Figures