The Northwest Coast is the land whose aboriginal inhabitants are distinguished by their large rectangular wooden houses, totems and dug-out canoes, and their dependence upon the products of the sea for their food. They placed great value upon the purity of family descent and the virtue of benevolence in the disposition of property, but most conspicuous of all their traits is their highly original art. Art and Culture of the Northwest Coast Indians. The Northwest Coast is the land whose aboriginal in habitants are distinguished by their large rectangular wooden houses, totems and dug-out canoes, and their dependence upon the products of the sea for their food. They placed great value upon purity of family descent and the virtue of benevolence in the disposition of property; but most conspicuous of all their traits is their highly original art. Used Book in Good Condition