Native North American Culture and Art Portraits of Select Native (North) American Aboriginal Peoples

10 Regions broken down into 5 general regions

Native North American

General characteristics North America’s aboriginals most likely migrated from North Asia to the Americas on a land bridge … what is now the Bering Strait.

Native Spirituality Traditional Native American ceremonial ways can vary widely, and are based on the differing histories and beliefs of individual tribes, clans and bands Most native peoples were animistic in belief the ​belief that all ​natural things, (such as ​plants, ​animals, etc.), have ​spirits and can ​influence ​human ​events

#1 ~ Arctic Region Coastal area between northeast Siberia and eastern Greenland Inuit peoples

Arctic Inuit Art Few opportunities for artistic pursuits … obviously Art more functional https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aSL9La5ivo Importance attached to animals they relied on Seal, walrus, fish, whale, caribou Also represented are wolf, bear, fox,

Arctic cont… Ivory engraving Walrus tusks Pictorial kind of writing telling of everyday life

Arctic Inuit masks Inuit art created to serve religious purposes Annual ceremonies Warding off evil spirits Theatrics and intimidation Inuit masks Inuit art created to serve religious purposes For ceremonial dances (shaman)

#2 ~ Northwest Coast Region Vast area Divided into different regions For food these Native tribes depended on supply of fish Endless lumber supply from old forests provided material for boats and homes Food from plants and game in forests as well

Northwest cont… Due to plentiful resources, more time devoted to rituals and art Hamatsa mask Worn in rituals to initiate new members, pacify spirits, demonstrate powers Moveable pieces Surprise, intimidating

Northwest Canoes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_HOla2FjFE Potlatch Ceremonial feast Whole clan event Exhibiting wealth and status by offering a lot of food and gifts to guests

Northwest Totem Poles Tall posts carved of wood and painted Series of animal symbols associated with a particular family or clan Meant as a form of identification, importance and spiritual sig.