Native American art. 28.5" by 25", red cedar, deep detailed carving, traditional Coast Salish design.
The Sun and Moon are commonly represented in Northwest Native American art. This panel illustrates balance of opposites - sun and moon, day and night, male and female. In traditional Native cultures the relationship between women and men is respectful and power is balanced. Women hold powerful leadership positions. Many cultures are matrilineal, that is lineage is passed through the mother.
Coast Salish art is a distinctive and beautiful form of Indigenous art, setting it apart from northern-style Northwest Coast Native art. Unlike other Northwest Coast cultures, the Coast Salish people do not follow a clan system, meaning family crests are not commonly used in their art. This absence of crests allows their work to focus on other deeply meaningful elements, reflecting their spiritual and cultural values. In the past Coast Salish art was not usually displayed publicly, as it was primarily created for personal or ceremonial purposes. Public depictions of spiritual beings were avoided, as they were believed to harm the relationship between humans and the spirit world.
The visual language of Coast Salish art is rich with symbolic shapes, including crescents, circles, trigons, and the iconic Salish eye. These elements are integrated into carvings and paintings of animals, ancestors, and spiritual beings. House posts, for example, were carved to tell family histories and honour ancestors, while Skwayskway masks featured striking bulging cylindrical eyes and horns, embodying spiritual power. Functional items like rattles, often carved from mountain goat horns, were also adorned with meaningful designs. Other artistic creations included welcome figures, bentwood boxes, canoes, and regalia, all of which played vital roles in traditional Coast Salish society.
Weaving holds a special place in Coast Salish culture, both historically and today. Tools such as loom poles, combs, and spindle whorls were meticulously carved with intricate geometric patterns and depictions of humans, animals, and spirits. These tools were used to create stunning textiles, which remain a cornerstone of Coast Salish identity and artistry.
Coast Salish art is more than just visual beauty; it is a profound expression of cultural heritage and connection to the natural and spiritual worlds. Through its unique forms and symbols, this art continues to tell the stories of the Coast Salish people, preserving their traditions for future generations.
Indigenous artist's bio available with purchase.
