Symbolism and Expression Information

People in traditional societies had few belongings, but those they had were highly functional. These belongings were often decorated using many kinds if natural material. 

Each traditional art form was passed down from generation to generation.  Some form of expression, such as the designs on tipis, were only transferred to another individual through ceremony,  techniques like tufting, birch bark biting, and fish scale art, in contrast, were communal and learned by obcservation and careful practice.

Birch Bark Biting - Sally Milne