Vocabulary Native American Art

Buffalo versus Bison The correct term for the iconic hooved animal that once roamed the American Prairie and Plains in huge herds is “American Bison” not “buffalo”.

Culture Area These are broad geographic regions occupied by peoples generally similar in cultural features.

Formline The primary design element, with ancient origins, upon which Northwest Coast art depends. Formlines are continuous, flowing, curvilinear lines.

Manitou A concept residing in the idea of a spiritual but impersonal force that pervades the universe.

Parfleche A container of folded or sewn rawhide elaborated with drawn and painted designs over the exposed surfaces.

Pictograph A pictorial symbol representing a word, event or idea.

Potlatch An important ceremonial event central to the life of the Northwest Coast native culture.

Pueblo A settlement of American Indian Southwest cultures Southwest cultures distinguished by a complex of adobe dwellings.

Quillwork A decorative technique most common to the Woodlands/Great Lakes region using porcupine quills.

Shaman A person (male or female) who acts as an intermediary and facilitates communication between the natural and supernatural worlds.

Thunderbird A mythological creature invested with great strength and power, whose beating wings are capable of creating storms-thunder in particular-and whose eyes flash with lighting.

Winter Count Sequential histories created within a number of Plains tribes. The passage of time was marked by important yearly events recorded in pictographs.