Art History Timeline / Northwest Coast Formline Art
Northwest Coast Formline Art for Kids: Art History, Artists and an Easy Art Activity
Indigenous artists of the Pacific Northwest Coast, in Canada and Alaska, carve and paint animals like Raven, Eagle, Orca and Bear. They use smooth flowing lines and rounded shapes that fit together like a puzzle. This art tradition is very old and artists still make it today.
For teachers
Northwest Coast art traditions developed more than 3,000 years ago and are carried on today by Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Kwakwaka'wakw, Coast Salish and other Nations, each with its own styles. Formline design uses thick to thin connected lines and shapes such as ovoids and U-forms. Many crests and stories belong to specific families and Nations, so teach the design ideas without copying crests.
What to look for
Pull up an artwork from this time and go on a looking hunt. Here is what to spot.
- Thick to thin black lines that connect
- Ovoids (rounded rectangles) and U-shapes
- Mostly black and red, sometimes blue-green
- Animals that fill the whole space
Meet the artists
Charles Edenshaw (Haida)
about 1839 to 1920
He carved argillite, silver and wood, and his work inspired later Haida artists.
Ellen Neel (Kwakwaka'wakw)
1916 to 1966
She was one of the first women to carve totem poles professionally.
Bill Reid (Haida)
1920 to 1998
He carved large sculptures and helped bring new attention to Haida art.
Robert Davidson (Haida)
born 1946
In 1969 he carved a totem pole for his home village of Old Massett.
Artworks to look at closely
Click any artwork to zoom in on The Met website. Big screen, slow looking, lots of talking.
Totem Pole ModelCharles Edenshaw, ca. 1890The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Open AccessSee it at The Met
Raven rattleT'smsyen (Tsimshian) artist, 19th centuryThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, Open AccessSee it at The Met
MaskTlingit artist, ca. 1825The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Open AccessSee it at The MetTry it
An easy art activity you can do with paper and whatever drawing tools you have.
Look closely at a Northwest Coast artwork and find the ovoids and U-shapes. Then draw an animal from where you live, like a robin or a squirrel, using connected lines that go from thick to thin. Keep it your own design and talk about why crests belong to families and Nations.
Ms Artastic lessons
There is no Ms Artastic lesson for this part of the timeline yet. In the meantime, the Free Art Lesson Library has lessons you can teach this week.
Open the Free Art Lesson LibraryBooks for your art shelf
- Raven Brings the Light by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Questions teachers and parents ask
What is Northwest Coast formline art?
Indigenous artists of the Pacific Northwest Coast, in Canada and Alaska, carve and paint animals like Raven, Eagle, Orca and Bear. They use smooth flowing lines and rounded shapes that fit together like a puzzle. This art tradition is very old and artists still make it today.
What time period is Northwest Coast formline art from?
Time period: More than 3,000 years ago to today. Where: Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada and the United States.
Who are some famous artists of Northwest Coast formline art?
Charles Edenshaw (Haida) (about 1839 to 1920), Ellen Neel (Kwakwaka'wakw) (1916 to 1966), Bill Reid (Haida) (1920 to 1998) and Robert Davidson (Haida) (born 1946).
What is an easy art project for kids about Northwest Coast formline art?
Look closely at a Northwest Coast artwork and find the ovoids and U-shapes. Then draw an animal from where you live, like a robin or a squirrel, using connected lines that go from thick to thin. Keep it your own design and talk about why crests belong to families and Nations.
The Artastic Collective art curriculum
Full art lessons, videos and units for the whole year, ready when you are. Monthly, yearly and VIP plans.
Northwest Coast video lessons
Press play and paint along with me. Each video lesson comes with a printable lesson plan and a QR code, so it is ready for the classroom or the kitchen table.
