Native American imagery often symbolizes complex philosophical ideas. The faces and creatures carved or modeled on these objects were intended as metaphorical expressions of spiritual concepts.

Head Effigy Vessel	Frog Effigy Platform Pipe
Bowl	Drumsticks
Pipe Bowl

In Native American belief, the universe is a sphere having the sky world above and the watery underworld below, with the terrestrial disk of the earth dividing them. The earth is divided into four quadrants by the cardinal directions north, south, east, and west. The human task on earth is to keep the upper world and the underworld in balance.

The sky above is the realm of the powerful Thunderbird, whose eyes shoot out bolts of lightning and whose beating wings create thunder. The earth is the mother and procreator of life. In the waters beneath the earth is the underworld, where spirits also dwell. There are many symbols associated with each realm which can be seen on Native American works of art. These symbols help make the sources of spiritual power accessible on earth.

Man's Shirt	Pouch
Shield

During the 19th century, American Indian women artists experimented with several different media and techniques when producing objects for both their own use and for exchange or sale. The introduction of European glass "seed" beads, silk ribbon, and cotton and wool cloth contributed to innovations in the design of shoulder bags, moccasins, and other elements of clothing. Older modes of artistic expression were adapted and combined with the new, conveying the vitality and dynamism of American Indian art and culture.

Shoulder Bag	Moccasins
Wearing Blanket	Basket

The cultures of the Pacific coast of British Columbia and Alaska have ancient connections to northeast Asia and the circumpolar region of the Arctic circle. This mix of influences resulted in artistic traditions distinct from others on the North American continent. Carved images of creatures -- human, animal, or combinations of both -- were used to symbolize the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Winged Object	Bent Corner Bowl
Mask	Mask