It’s a bit like waiting for a monumental puzzle to be completed, isn't it? For years, those with a deep interest in the vibrant Indigenous cultures of the Northwest Coast have been anticipating a comprehensive resource. And in 1990, the Smithsonian Institute delivered, with the publication of Volume 7 of the Handbook of North American Indians, focusing on the Northwest Coast, edited by Wayne Suttles. This wasn't a quick project; it had been in the making for nearly two decades, a testament to the complexity and depth of the subject matter.
Reading through the reviews, it’s clear this volume is a significant undertaking, aiming to be the go-to source for years to come. And for the most part, it succeeds. The structure itself is a reader's dream, with a thoughtful layout that makes navigating such a vast amount of information surprisingly manageable. You start with foundational articles covering the environment, languages, human biology, and the historical roots of these cultures. These introductory pieces are generally quite accessible, even for those of us who aren't academics, though some of the more technical aspects, particularly in the biology and linguistics sections, might require a bit more concentration.
Then, the book dives deeper, exploring the history of research and contact, and dedicating a substantial portion to the peoples themselves. This is where the real richness lies, offering insights into the diverse groups that call this stunning region home. It’s fascinating to see how the editors grappled with defining the boundaries of the Northwest Coast Culture Area, sometimes including groups that might traditionally be considered part of neighboring regions, like the Eyak or certain Plateau peoples. The reasoning behind these decisions, as explained by Suttles, was a blend of cultural traits and practicalities, though the exact criteria aren't always laid out explicitly.
One point that sparked a bit of discussion, and rightly so, is the use of English names for Indigenous groups. While the handbook uses established English terms, there’s a growing and important movement among these communities to reclaim and use their own names. For instance, groups like the Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuxalk, and Nuu-chah-nulth prefer their ancestral names over older, sometimes less accurate, English ones. It’s a subtle but significant distinction, a matter of self-determination and cultural pride, and it’s crucial for these newer, self-chosen names to gain currency in scholarly work.
What truly shines through, even with the acknowledged inconsistencies in quality among the fifty-eight articles, is the sheer breadth of information. You can find detailed explorations of specific groups like the Haida, Tsimshian, and Bella Coola, alongside discussions on the prehistory of various coastal areas. The inclusion of a technical alphabet and pronunciation guides is a thoughtful touch, immensely helpful when encountering native names and terms. And for anyone wanting to dig even deeper, the 'Sources' sections at the end of many articles are invaluable, pointing the way to further research. It’s a complex, sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding journey into the heart of a remarkable cultural landscape.