River of Commerce and Culture

The Columbia River and its tributaries linked Chinookan people to extensive trade networks and provided an avenue for sharing cultural practices. This section explores:

  • Global Trade Networks
    “The Native exchange system of the Lower Columbia was far more complicated and dynamic than first meets the eye”
  • Basketry
    “As I touched the basket, handling the warps and wefts, I felt that I was touching the hands of the weaver”
  • Canoes and Paddles
    “The canoe has always been one of the most significant aspects of Chinookan culture”
  • Plankhouses
    The chief’s house is built in the usual way, of logs and hewn board, with a roof of cedar bark, and lined inside with mats”
  • Chinookan Style Art