Northwest Coast Native Art

$250.00

Item JI02

18 x 12 x 3/4

4 lbs. 8 oz.

Extra packaging required. A surcharge of 15.00 will be added to order.

Northern Style Box Silver Resin

Black frame with vertical design

Northern Style Box Copper Resin - Ancient Ways

A major figure is Raven-crafty, a creator and protector spirit who, along with Eagle, helped in planning to and arranging the ancient world. Perhaps the evil spirit of Ocean, who swallowed canoes and fisherman, or Halibut Man, a zoomorphic being of the ocean world, also assisted in the plot. Eagle, the fiercest of them all shown in aspect, was another myth creature with human characteristics, which flew high using the snail. Other events could involve legendary struggles between creatures of the Sky World and Ocean World. A dark side moon maiden story or Raven disguised in fish skin, traveled throughout the Northwest waterways fighting monsters. We find all kinds of interpretations, all kinds of interrelationships between symbol system and cultural purpose. A realistic representation of creatures usually gives way to layers of abstraction. They are grounded upon traditional Northwest coast idiom, refined compositional conventions and personal idiosyncrasies - how each artist opted to fill space.

Joseph Illg

A Marine zoologist, carver, jeweler, and designer, Joseph Illg has worked Alaskan waters salmon fishing and investigating the biology of Alaskan edible crab populations. For the past 13 years, Joseph's focus has been creating original interpretations of Northwest Native coastal art. His work in bronze, ceramics, stone, copper, silver, glass, and cast paper exhibits fine artsmanship and a sophisticated understanding of the tradition's visual organization and artistic principles. This show features Joseph's copper relief sculptures, which go through many steps to reach their rich patina.

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Raven

The Raven is the most important being in the Northwest Coast art and mythology. In stories, Raven is intelligent, curious, innovative and resourceful, yet selfish, greedy, deceitful and mischievous. He always follows his appetite, and consequently is often in trouble: in fact, that is when he does some of his best creative work. Among many other achievements, Raven determined the order of things in the world, as we know it; secured the blessings of Fire, water, Sun, Moon, stars; and discovered humankind and all other creatures. He is the original organizer. He is also known to be a relentless schemer and practical joker, lustful, impulsive, and cunning.

Understanding Northwest Coast Art - Cheryl Shearar

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Eagle

Eagle is a symbol of power and prestige among many nations of the world, the Eagle is also important to the Indians of the Northwest Coast, who share their environment with this majestic bird. Many myths and legends surround Eagle. Eagle down, a symbol of peace and friendship, was, and still is, sprinkled before guests in welcome dances and on other ceremonial occasions. Eagle feathers were used in rituals and worn on masks and/or headdresses.

Understanding Northwest Coast Art - Cheryl Shearar