Haida Drawings Exploring Symmetry and Value by finding inspiration from the Haidan Native Americans

Who are the Haida people? The Haida Indians are original people of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Their homelands are the islands near the coast of southeastern Alaska and northwest British Columbia, particularly the Haida Gwaii archipelago and Prince of Wales Island.

Origin of the name How do you pronounce the word "Haida"? What does it mean? Haida is pronounced "HIGH-dah." This is an English pronunciation of their native word Xayda, which means "person."

Roles How do Haida Indian children live, and what did they do in the past? They do the same things any children do--play with each other, go to school and help around the house. Many Haida children like to go hunting and fishing with their fathers. In the past, Indian kids had more chores and less time to play, just like early colonial children. But they did have dolls, toys and games to play.dolls, toys and games to play. What were men and women's roles in the Haida tribe? Haida women gathered plants and herbs, wove baskets and cloth, and did most of the child care and cooking. Men were fishermen and hunters and sometimes went to war to protect their families. Both genders took part in storytelling, artwork and music, and traditional medicine. The Haida chief was always a man, but women held important roles as clan leaders.

Art What are Haida arts and crafts like? Haida artists are known for their fine basketry and woodcarving art, including carved masks and spectacular totem poles. Here is a website about the creation of a Haida totem pole.basketry and woodcarving art, including carved masks and spectacular totem poles. Here is a website about the creation of a Haida totem pole.

Art Examples: Drawings

Art Examples : woven hat

Art Examples : Wood Carvings

What will you make?

You will create a symmetrical drawing inspired by art of the Haidan Native American people. Use the same style but do not copy. The style of the Haidan people includes: Symmetrical design Clear organic shapes Large eyes and mouths Large shapes with small ones inside of them Thick to thin lines Your drawing should include these

Choose an animal For this project, pick a favorite animal, or one that has importance or significance to you. Think about the shapes that make up this animal Think about the characteristic for this animal and how to use them in your drawing

Step 1 Draw 1/2 of image on folded paper, use pencil and use a dark lead. Use basic shapes to help draw your animal Use simple, organic and geometric designs to fill some of the blank space Go back over finished designs and press hard with a pencil

Step 2 Fold image to inside and burnish. This will transfer the pencil to the other half of the paper creating symmetry.

Step 3 Check your design, darken lines if needed.

Step 5: color in your designs and patterns Use markers and colored pencils to decorate and color in your designs to the best of your ability

Step 6: Continue to work until its all the way filled in with excellent quality