North West Coast (concise) Flashcards
Longhouse
Housed extended families, was a place of residence and storage, used for political gatherings and ceremonies
Totem Poles
A pole which represents a family clan crest, declares their rights to specific song/dance/land and tells the history of specific families/individuals/nations. The ‘Golden Age’ would’ve been from 1830-1895. Production of totem poles dwindled after the 1885 ban of Potlach
Potlach
A ceremony/celebratoin of an important event in a clan members life. This can be marriage, birth, death of a child, a celebration of maturity. They include gift giving, music and dance performances, a feast and could be lead to political discussion as well such as land disagreement.
Clan
Several lineages recognized as being connected through an ancestor
Crest
Stylized animal figures or supernatural beings that reflect the stories of the clan ancestors interactions with the beings depicted (example: the raven relating to the creation of man)
Raven
Known as the transformer, trickster and creator. Myth on creation. Represents creation, transformation, knowledge, prestige, the complexity of nature and the subtlety of truth.
Eagle
Symbolizes grace, power and great intellect. It also represents love and dedication as eagles mate for life. Their feathers are used ceremonially to represent chiefmanship, wisdom, respect and courage.
Thunderbird
Symbolises supernatural power and is believed to be the dominating force behind all of nature’s doings. The thunderbird is a mythical creature and only the most prestigious and powerful Chiefs are allowed to have the Thunderbird as a crest.
Whale
Romance and harmony, family oriented and known to travel in large groups, never alone (community). Also symbolise great luck and happiness, community and protection. Whales are known to work together, take care of and protect each other.
Salmon
Prosperity, renewal and fertility. One of the most respected and important animals as they’re a primary food source
Beaver
Persistence and determination. Beavers understand the importance of working with nature and also are hardworking and stubborn
Frog
Adaptability, knowledge and power to traverse worlds and inhabit both the natural and supernatural.
Frog
Adaptability, knowledge and power to traverse worlds and inhabit both the natural and supernatural.
Wolf
Loyalty, strong family ties, good communication, education, understanding and intelligence
Onomatopoeic Language
Language mimicking the sounds of nature
Animism
belief or worldview that non-human entities possess a spiritual essence, so they are animated and alive. note that this creates a different perspective and view on natural beings than we would have today. for example, the rituals regarding the cedar tree
Ancestors
Predecessors in the family (clan) considered to be close to supernatural beings
Shaman
‘man healer; ‘man who works with fire’, a warrior, a healer, explorer, teacher; great connection with nature which would be used for purposes such as healing, predicting the future, even controlling nature
House poles
in the house, used to support the building
House frontal poles
found outside the house, announced the prestige of the clan which the house belonged to. showed the clans history, rights to land, spiritual symbol of the clan (the animal used for it)
Mortuary Poles
Contained the remains of the deceased in grave boxes
Memorial Poles
Honoured an important dead person, telling their story with their success
Transformation Masks
A mask used during ceremonial dances/performances which represented the process of transforming, usually one animal transforming into another much more supernatural/spiritual one.
Bentwood Boxes
Used to house wealth and ceremonial objects; the finer the carving on the box, the more treasured the thing inside, while a painted box may contain something more mundane.
Shame Poles
Usually given to other neighbouring groups with unpaid debt.
Chilkat Blankets
Only the chiefs were allowed to wear these, made from expensive and rare materials
