Canada | Pacific Northwest First Nations

Housing

The First Nations who inhabited the Pacific coast lived in large houses built from cedar planks. These dwellings were large enough to house several families belonging to the same clan. The building was normally divided into sections, each home to a different family. The chief and his family lived in the most spacious part of the house. The roof was supported by four interior columns (usually decorated with carvings), one at each corner. A heraldic totem pole placed at the entrance was pierced through to serve as a doorway. The building’s facade was painted with striking designs.

[peinture #03239]
#03239
Totem Poles
Comment(s)
Based on photographs of totems on exhibit at the Prince Rupert Museum.
1949, summer
Canada, British Colombia, Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert Museum
Sketch, India ink and wash, on studio paper
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