Native American Art – The Concept
As the name suggests, the Native American Art refers to the traditional art forms of the Aboriginal Americans. Since early times, these groups usually chose the day-to-day objects for their representational arts. These works come from all across America, including the Southern Region, with North America extending up to Greenland and Mesoamerica.

The History
The earliest of the civilizations of America dates back to the period before 8000 BC, which is known as Lithic or Paleo-Indian stage.

The Types & Details
Lithic Reduction (stone carving using the flaking technique) and Projectile Points (arrowheads) characterized art in this era. The phase between 8000 BC and 800 BC is termed as the Archaic Period, where Banner Stones (symmetrically designed stones with holes in the centre) became more popular with the increasing inclination towards fashion and aesthetics.

Natives from the Northwestern Region of America developed the art of elaborate engravings and carving. Art from the small tribes in the coastal regions, including Haida, Tsimshian, and Tlingit was in the form of highly detailed woodcarving. Some of the examples of this style are the 19th century Tsimshian Mosquito Mask (British Columbia), Tlingit style Totem Poles in Ketchikan (Alaska), and Canoe with Oarsman Carving (Haida Gwai), dated 1850-1900. This region is also known for imitation fur and skin fabrics. The use of ivory, stones, and bones has also been prevalent in this region since long.

The Californian natives contributed in the form of decorative clothing made of buffalo hides and embroidered with porcupine quills and beads. These hides, used raw or tanned, were used in the Great Plains for storage purposes and covering objects, as well. The art of basket making & feather-work also originated and flourished in California.

Pottery is a gift from the native Southwest America, where bold geometrical patterns in bright colors are in vogue. Collectively known as Rock Art, Petroglyphs (carvings) and Pictograms (paintings) were the significant art forms from the Lithic and Archaic Periods. The Spanish influence helped the Southwestern people learn the art of weaving rugs and drawing, using the technique of silverpoint. The region is also famous for its ornamental Kachina Dolls.

The Maya Civilization from Mesoamerica was one of the most stable and influential societies in the American history. Active during the Pre-classic (2000 BC-250 AD) and the Classic (250 AD and 900 AD) periods, the civilization developed prolific socio-political systems, trade, and arts. Fresco paintings, murals, carvings, reliefs, and ceramics were some of the prominent features of Mayan Arts, which was among the first human cultures, where the artworks were recognized by the names of the artists.

By: Annette Labedzki