Indians of the Northwest Coast

Indians of the Northwest Coast

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LocationNarrow strip of land 1,000 miles long from southern Alaska to Puget Sound including thousands of islandsTo the west is the Pacific Ocean, east are mountains, south the Cascade Range.Moderate climate: cool summers, wet winters

FoodFishermen salmon, halibut, cod, herring, seals, sea lions, porpoises, shellfish such as clams, oysters, musselsHunters deer, elk, mountain goat, wolves, bearsGatherers nuts, berries, eggs from sea birds and water fowlJust about everything eaten with fish oil

ClothingWore little clothing due to mild climateWomen wore skirts made from cedar bark, tunics, or sarongsMen wore breechcloths and woven hats with a broad rim to protect eyes from sunMen and women wore rain gear, capes, or a blanketWore deerskin moccasins sometimes

Shelter Longhouses, also called plank houses 15-20 ft. high40-60 people in one longhouse Live in villages facing beach Some had carved totem poles No windows, smoke hole in roof

Culture Did not practice democracy. class system Wood carvers, bone carvers, basketry Totem poles Potlatches Music wood rattles, tambourines, whistles, clapping hands

Interesting FactsUsed nets, rakes, hooks and lines to catch fishFood was grilled, baked, or boiledAlso dried and smoked fish to preserve it to last for months