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Native Art Blog

Meanings of Northwest Coast Native Crest Designs

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Meanings of Northwest Coast Native Crest Designs


Northwest Coast Native crests are clan insignia. Chiefs and clan members carve and paint their crest symbols on houses, canoes, clothing, boxes and utensils, and also on jewelry and tattoos. A Chief may posses many different crests. A Crest is usually a supernatural being or the supernatural aspect of an animal. Crests, along with songs, stories, dances and other property were acquired by humans during supernatural experiences, and were then handed down to their descendants. During early times, humans, animals and other beings transformed into one another. Today, crests also have more contemporary meanings.

The Art of Repousse

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The Art of Repousse

Northwest Coast Native artists beginning with Bill Reid have incorporated the art of Repousse into Indigenous jewelry making. Repousse is a technique in which the surface of the metal is pushed up, raised from behind using a number of different punches and tools to create a three dimensional design. Chasing accomplishes the opposite effect, creates details by pushing the surface down. The two techniques are used together to create a three dimensional piece of art.

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