Hilary Stewart (1924–2014)

It is very rare to find a book that deconstructs an artistic tradition to the level achieved by HIlary Stewart. If I could find one like this for every culture, I'd buy them all no questions asked. Beginning with the basic shapes used in the art of the Northwest Coast Indians (ovoid, U form, S form...) she then methodically moves on to anatomical features (eyes, tongue, claws...) and how they are used, then to structural variations. There follows a long chapter to identify design motifs show more (i.e. the animals, mythical creatures and people used in representations), and then a discussion of cultural variations between the various tribes. Many pictures illustrate the text, showing traditional as well as modern work. Quite a few stories are recounted where appropriate, giving more insights into the cultural context.
The book provides the tools to decipher and therefore fully appreciate NWC art, but by extension, it also provides artists with the tools to try their hand at it with awareness of the correct design elements and of their meaning. A gem of a resource for students and admirers of traditional arts. show less

Magnificent and haunting, the tall cedar sculptures called totem poles have become a distinctive symbol of the native people of the Northwest Coast. The powerful carvings of the vital and extraordinary beings such as Sea Bear, Thunderbird and Cedar Man are impressive and intriguing. Looking at Totem Poles is an indispensable guide to 110 poles in easily acessible outdoor locations in coastal British Columbia and Alaska. In clear and lively prose, Hilary Stewart describes the various types of show more poles, their purpose, and how they were carved and raised. She also identifies and explains frequently depicted figures and objects.Each pole, shown in a beautifully detailed drawing, is accompanied by a text that points out the crests, figures and objects carved on it. Historical and cultural background are given, legends are recounted and often the carver’s comments or anecdotes enrich the pole’s story. Photographs put some of the poles into context or show their carving and raising.This book is a companion volume to Hilary Stewart’s enormously successful Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast. show less

I just thought this was a lovely book. The drawings and information are clearly the result of long, loving research.

I bought it as a souvenir of my visit to the Pacific Northwest, but I wish I had had it for reference while I was there!

I found this book to be very helpful in looking at the art of the pacific northwest coast native populations. I appreciated the deconstruction which helped me identify various animals found in some of the more abstract pieces. I recommend this book highly.