Title: NORTHWEST COAST AMERICAN INDIAN FACTS
Headings: Northwest Indian Facts
Northwest Indian Facts
Introduction - Northwest Indian Tribes
Northwest Coast American Indian Tribes List
List of Facts About the American Indians of the Northwest Coast

Content: Totem poles were most commonly found in front of a home to tell a families tribal history through intricate carvings, pictures and colors. With a lack of any written language, these Indians relied on the totem poles to pass down their history, stories, and myths through the generations. They wore necklaces to symbolize wealth. Bear claw necklaces, as well as beaver teeth and clamshells were very popular. Usually held in winter months, the potlatch was one of the most common traditions. The feast was a way to show off wealth. Dancing, gift-giving, storytelling, and eating were all part of the ceremony. Possessions were also sometimes destroyed to show guests that they were so wealthy it didn't matter. Potlatches were a way to celebrate many occasions such as marriage, death, new clan houses and the raising of a totem pole. Because the Northwest Coast Indians had no written language, the totem poles were a very important part of their culture.