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Northwest - Kwakiutl

Northwest - Kwakiutl "kwah-kee-oo-tull” ˌkwɑ kiˈut l/ kwah-kee-oot-l

regional and geographic boundaries of the United States

Northwest - Kwakiutl

“We have been called the Kwakiutl ever since 1849, when the white people came to stay in our territories. It was a term then applied to all the Kwakwaka'wakw—that is, all of the people who speak the language Kwakwala. Today, the name Kwakiutl only refers to those from our village of Fort Rupert. Other Kwakwaka'wakw have their own names and villages.”

Northwest Kwakiutl

Kwakiutl (according to their own folk etymology the name signifies 'smoke of the world', but probably means 'beach at the north side of the river').

The Kwakiutl also inhabited the coast in parts of Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.

Kwakiutl live between the forest and the sea.

Summer villages were built near prime fishing spots. This was both along the coast and up river. It was composed of small wooden cabins for temporary use. They were rectangular with long, sloping, or flat roof.

Winter villages were built in sheltered locations that Offered protection from high winter tides and fierce storms from the Pacific. These villages consisted of large houses, sometimes elevated on stilts to escape tides. But all homes had doorways facing the beach and ocean.

The wooden winter homes were made first by frames The wooden winter homes were made first by frames. Building them took a lot of cooperative efforts. The houses were around 10ft wide, 100ft long and 20ft high. Walls and roof were structurally separate and could be removed to allow light and ventilation into the home.

"The Big-Houses"  They were very large homes that could house up to four families.  They built the houses with logs from red cedar trees and wood pegs. The roof was made of removable boards so that smoke from fires used to cook and for warmth could be released. They painted and decorated their homes just like totem poles.

The totem pole is a record of family history. …would put totem poles on the outside of their houses. The totem poles were on the two front corners with one in the center to enter the house.

Many Kwakiutls lived in longhouses also known as plank houses. Plank houses were similar to the longhouse except they were taller.

Kwakiutl Indian tribe's food supplies were plentiful. The forest food includes deer, moose, rabbit, beaver, edible roots, nuts, and berries. Most hunting was done in the winter when the animals migrate down from the mountains.

The Kwakiutl depended on the forest and the ocean for food. Salmon was the staple food.

They made canoes from tall cedar trees They made canoes from tall cedar trees. They lived near the water lines so they used the sea or the ocean to move.

Kwakiutl clothing was mainly made from cedar-bark and fur. They mainly wore robes and capes with hoods made from these materials.  The women wore aprons made of bark bound together with goat hair.

Mats for floors were also used as clothing Mats for floors were also used as clothing. During cold, wet, weather, warm and water resistant clothing was mandatory. The most common of the dress was a garment like a cedar bark cape or cloak, or blanket.

During the summer, the Kwakiutl wore few clothes During the summer, the Kwakiutl wore few clothes. Men and boys wore breechcloth. Women wore a short skirt only. They did wear moccasins, but most of the time they went barefoot.

The potlatch is a gift-giving ceremony held at major life events.

The potlatch could last for several days.

Kwakiutl Potlatch

… are well-known for their masks and totem poles, which depict animals and supernatural beings. Masks are an integral part dances and the stories they tell.

Kwakiutl women gathered plants, herbs and clams and did most of the child care and cooking. Men were fishermen and hunters. Both genders took part in storytelling, artwork and music, and traditional medicine. The Kwakiutl chief was always a man, but the clan leaders could be either men or women