The first section of this book features an alphabetical list of words relating to Northwest Coast art, with definitions, descriptions and explanations and synopses of the major myths associated with them. As an aid to identification and understanding, many of the crests, beings and symbols are illustrated in the 6 black-and-white reproductions of contemporary works of art. The entries cover everything: crests such as Eagle, Dogfish or Dragonfly; ancestral beings such as Creek Woman or Thunderbird; mythic beings such as Raven, the Chief of the Undersea or Cedar Man; and super-natural beings such as Death-Bringer. The second section offers descriptions of the art styles and types of decorated objects created by the various Northwest Coast cultural groups. Easy to use and easy to read, Understanding Northwest Coast Art is an essential source for understanding and visually identifying the underlying themes and subjects of Northwest Coast Native art.