Analysis of Northwest Coast Indian Art

The classic work on the art of Northwest Coast Indians, now in its 50th anniversary edition, has been enhanced with vibrant color illustrations for a new generation of readers. Additionally, contemporary Northwest Coast artists have shared their reflections on the impact of this influential book. Today, the masterworks created by Northwest Coast Native artists are celebrated as some of the world's most remarkable artistic achievements.

These exquisite works include painted and carved wooden screens, chests, boxes, rattles, crest hats, and other pieces that showcase the intricate and sophisticated northern Northwest Coast art style. This visual language is used to depict inherited crests and recount family stories. Bill Holm, a graduate student of Dr. Erna Gunther, former Director of the Burke Museum, dedicated his studies in the 1950s to exploring northern Northwest Coast art in depth.

After meticulously examining countless bentwood boxes and chests, Holm published "Northwest Coast Indian Art: An Analysis of Form" in 1965. This seminal book has become a crucial reference for understanding northern Northwest Coast Native art. Holm introduced new terminology to describe this visual language, now widely accepted in art terminology. These terms enable us to discuss and appreciate these artworks while observing changes in style over time and among different artists.

Holm delves into the use of color, line, texture, spatial organization, and distinctive forms like ovoids, eyelids, U forms, and hands and feet. His research serves as a valuable resource for future scholars in the field. This edition, replacing ISBN 9780295951027, invites readers to explore the beauty and cultural significance of Northwest Coast Indian art in a new light.

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