Human

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.

In oral traditions across the Northwest Coast there are many human heroes and legends. These figures are depicted in many ways. Some figures might represent a chief or shaman, while others an ancestor. Ancestors are incredibly important in Northwest Coast culture; thus, you will often see human portraits in the artwork depicting an ancestor figure.

Freestanding Human figures can range in size from small amulets to large-scale poles several feet high. As amulets, they are often a guardian symbol whereas the larger human figures can represent a welcoming figure. Human-like personifications of the sun and wind are common in Northwest Coast artwork as well.
36 items

Portrait Mask
Gwen Adams (Gitxsan)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. In oral trad...

$1,800.00

Eagle Woman Frog Bracelet
Jesse Brillon (Haida)

Jesse Brillon is a master of the repoussé technique, a skill that is highlighted in this remarkab...

Jesse Brillon is a master of the repoussé technique, a skill that is highlighted in this remarkable bracelet. Repoussé is a technique that involves hammering the material from the backside of the piece to create an image in high relief on the front of the piece. The technique is often accompanied by chasing, which is when the work is indented on the frontside to create concave sections of the design. Together, these techniques result in a sculptural work with exceptional depth and dimension. ...

$11,000.00

EE-ish-soo-ilth
Ron Hamilton (Nuu-chah-nulth)

1972Edition 12/120This print is only available framed.

1972Edition 12/120This print is only available framed.

$800.00

Euh Tinn
Ron Hamilton (Nuu-chah-nulth)

1972Edition 37/50This print is only available framed.

1972Edition 37/50This print is only available framed.

$800.00

Wonder Child
Alvin Adkins (Haida)

Edition /200 Available framed for $600 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly. Indigenous artwo...

Edition /200 Available framed for $600 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a...

$250.00

Half a Soul
Robert Davidson (Haida)

2001 Edition 19/99 This print is only available framed.  

2001 Edition 19/99 This print is only available framed.  

$2,200.00

Pacific Spirit '91
Susan Point (Salish)

1991 Edition 93/200 This print is only available framed. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific North...

1991 Edition 93/200 This print is only available framed. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, incl...

$1,150.00

Salish Salmon Charmer
Luke Marston (Salish)

This sculpture tells the story of an infamous Salish Salmon Charmer. The fisherman, although blin...

This sculpture tells the story of an infamous Salish Salmon Charmer. The fisherman, although blind, knew of the most fruitful fishing spots. This piece was carved from old growth red cedar. The three salmon are carved from the same log as the charmer and the base. The removable rattle held in the figure’s left hand is carved from yellow cedar and is fully functional. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Cre...

$55,000.00

Tsimshian Warrior Mask
Simon Reece (Tsimshian)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. In oral trad...

$2,400.00

Articulated Portrait Mask
Corey Moraes (Tsimshian)

Articulated   Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and an...

Articulated   Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions...

$7,000.00

Haida Portrait Mask
Roger Smith (Haida)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. In oral trad...

$1,000.00

Female Portrait Mask
Chief Walter Harris (Gitxsan)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. In oral trad...

$3,200.00