The depiction of the beaver in Northwest Coast Indigenous art is characterized by its distinct incisor teeth, which are a prominent feature of this industrious animal. Additionally, the face of the beaver is often intricately rendered within an ovoid, which serves as a crucial "building block" in Northwest Coast art.
The ovoid, with its curved and versatile shape, is a foundational element of artistic compositions in this tradition. It is skillfully utilized by artists to convey depth, movement, and symbolic meaning within their designs. In the portrayal of the beaver, the incorporation of the ovoid not only showcases the artistic prowess of Northwest Coast artisans but also highlights the interconnectedness of all elements within the natural world, reflecting the cultural and spiritual significance attributed to the beaver within Indigenous cosmology.
