What are the northwest coast indian's customs?

Answer 1

Having potlatchs (is like a party) where you give away your finest possessions and at the end you burn everything you have to show how wealthy you are. They did this to gain prestige and prestige meant a lot to them. They also made totem poles to represent something or someone.

CORRECTION from Marce Speake

I am part Indian and have lived in Tacoma for forty years (I am 61), during which time I have been active with one of the local nations and done a lot of research on the local legends. Potlatches were held to distribute wealth in the community by chiefs and those who were wealthy. Yes, it was for prestige, but more to show generosity. Yes, it was like a party where gifts were given to all in attendance - but they were not burned. It would have defeated the purpose of distributing wealth! The practice was later outlawed by whites. Now something similar happens at pow-wows, and at memorial services - termed "giveaways."

Totem poles were commissioned to put at the door post of the houses (sometimes a slave would be killed and buried in the bottom of the hole), and for a memorial for someone who has died. "Whites" talk about "low man on the totem pole," which is a misnomer - the character at the bottom of the pole is the most important one!

PLEASE GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE POSTING!