Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast [B1032]

1979 PB in nice clean condition. Bold, inventive and highly graphic, the indigenous art of the Northwest Coast is distinguished by its sophistication and complexity. It is also composed of basically simple elements, which, guided by a rich mythology, create images of striking power. This indispensable and beautifully illustrated book is the first to introduce everyone, from the casual observer to the serious collector of Northwest Coast prints, to the forms, cultural background and structures of this highly imaginative art. The elements of style are introduced; the myths and legends which shape the motifs are interpreted; the stylistic differences between the major cultural groupings are defined and illustrated. Raven, Thunderbird, Killer Whale, Bear: all the traditional forms are here, deftly analyzed by a professional writer and artist who has a deep understanding of this powerful culture.

From Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "An outstanding introduction to this beautiful art form."; "A good little guide to decoding the intricate and sometimes hard to understand art of the Northwest Coast Tribes. Several tribes styles are covered, the differences explained. Most of the animals are explored, including some general legends pertaining to each. The writing is a bit dry and to the point but I will definitely be better able to see what I'm looking at in the future. Tons of gorgeous B&W photos of artwork included."; "Nice book on Pacific Northwest recurring themes. Interesting breakdown of the aboriginal shapes and forms that u see in the Pacific Northwest."