North West Coast (concise)

Question 1

Longhouse

Answer 1

Housed extended families, was a place of residence and storage, used for political gatherings and ceremonies

Question 2

Totem Poles

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Potlach

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Clan

Answer 4

Several lineages recognized as being connected through an ancestor

Question 5

Crest

Answer 5

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)

Question 6

Raven

Answer 6

Known as the transformer, trickster and creator. Myth on creation. Represents creation, transformation, knowledge, prestige, the complexity of nature and the subtlety of truth.

Question 7

Eagle

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Thunderbird

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Whale

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Salmon

Answer 10

Prosperity, renewal and fertility. One of the most respected and important animals as they’re a primary food source

Question 11

Beaver

Answer 11

Persistence and determination. Beavers understand the importance of working with nature and also are hardworking and stubborn

Question 12

Frog

Answer 12

Adaptability, knowledge and power to traverse worlds and inhabit both the natural and supernatural.

Question 12

Frog

Answer 12

Adaptability, knowledge and power to traverse worlds and inhabit both the natural and supernatural.

Question 13

Wolf

Answer 13

Loyalty, strong family ties, good communication, education, understanding and intelligence

Question 14

Onomatopoeic Language

Answer 14

Language mimicking the sounds of nature

Question 15

Animism

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Ancestors

Answer 16

Predecessors in the family (clan) considered to be close to supernatural beings

Question 17

Shaman

Answer 17

‘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

Question 18

House poles

Answer 18

in the house, used to support the building

Question 19

House frontal poles

Answer 19

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)

Question 20

Mortuary Poles

Answer 20

Contained the remains of the deceased in grave boxes

Question 21

Memorial Poles

Answer 21

Honoured an important dead person, telling their story with their success

Question 22

Transformation Masks

Answer 22

A mask used during ceremonial dances/performances which represented the process of transforming, usually one animal transforming into another much more supernatural/spiritual one.

Question 23

Bentwood Boxes

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Shame Poles

Answer 24

Usually given to other neighbouring groups with unpaid debt.

Question 25

Chilkat Blankets

Answer 25

Only the chiefs were allowed to wear these, made from expensive and rare materials