Indians of the Northwest Coast
8 results
Gouging tool that utilizes a beaver tooth for the blade (18 cm, 7 inches), Makah culture,Ozette
Comb made of a deer antler (13 cm, 5 inches) and a double-sided comb made of whalebone (14 cm, 6 inches), Makah culture,Ozette
The idea that the first humans lived in a shell is a frequently recurring theme in the various creation myths of the Northwest Coast Indians. This small bone figure, 41 mm (2 inches) high, was dug up together with its protecting shell at Ozette, the archaeological site on the Olympic Peninsula. It is on exhibit at the Makah Museum (Neah Bay, Washington, USA).
Wooden bowl for fish oil (31 cm, 12 inches), Makah culture,Ozette
Club carved of yew with three owl faces, which was probably used for ceremonial purposes (44 cm, 18 inches), Makah culture,Ozette
Innumerable petroglyphs have been found on the Northwest Coast. Only in the rarest of cases is it possible to determine their age. Two killer whales are recognizable in the photograph, and the figure to the right probably represents a pregnant gray whale. These petroglyphs were found near the deserted Makah village of Ozette.
An Ozette longhouse has been reconstructed inside of the Makah Cultural and Research Center. The wall and ceiling planks were movable and could be shifted to suit the weather conditions. Fish were hung from the ceiling rafters for drying or smoking. Living areas and fire pits were separated from each other so that several families could occupy the same house.
The cleft, rocky coast, such as this area near the old Makah village of Ozette, located between Cape Alava and Sand Point, is not only picturesque and striking, but also dangerous to sea-going vessels. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that the Nootka had the reputation of being the most intrepid seamen in the Northwest.
