CASE STUDY: Native Indian Art from the North West Canadian Coast

The primitive Native Indian art from around the north-west coast of Canada is considered highly sophisticated in terms or illustrating and designing communication.
Pieces of art are found in normal household and ceremonial items: yet it is considered that these natives were some of the first to create abstract art for the purpose of puzzle and enjoyment.

One particular interest they practice is fitting the depiction of the same human or animal into different shapes. From a first glance of piece of north-west native art, the viewer may be able to pick out a form, maybe even several. However, each animal has very specific characteristics and, although similar or exact components can be used on different animals, the combination of these elements is the key to creating the overall symbolism.

This is why examples of 'split-figures' (two or more animal features in the same frame as the main animal) can be found or a number of animals fit into the same frame. This are seen more to be used for storytelling purposes.