Response to McKenna Baker’s Post

Response to McKenna Baker’s Post

Hello McKenna,

According to your post, you have described Native American artwork from the Pacific Northwest as colorful and rich in detail. Based on your post, the artist often decorated surfaces with feathers, shells, hair, paint, and copper. I agree that Native American artwork often included animals and supernatural characters to tell tales about the culture and history of the time. Besides, your post states that the focal point of the Northwest Coast art would always be at the very top, where the most significant symbol or figures would be placed. Also, I agree that a crucial aspect of their art was the depiction of interpersonal dynamics between the characters. In your opinion, non-Native American artists shouldn’t replicate Native American art or design since it’s such an important aspect of Native American culture and tradition, and the Native American people deserve to have something unique that only they can accomplish.

Response to Juliet Manikis’ Post

Hello Juliet,

I agree that Native Alaskans and Pacific Northwesterners, whose territory includes the whole coast from Alaska to Oregon, create the works known as Northwest Coast art. According to your post, the northwest coast was composed of blankets and wooded carved household items. Besides, they are most recognized for their distinctive totem poles, which for centuries have served as a means of introducing visitors to the Pacific Northwest to the region’s indigenous peoples and their rich cultural heritage. Based on your report, since the indigenous people have already claimed the art form as their own, you believe that non-indigenous people have the right to use native motifs and visual art styles to embrace their culture.