Red cedar First Nations freestanding Articulated Eagle Model Mask-on-Stand is masterfully carved in a traditional manner. Measures 19 X 15 X 8, priced at $2150.

Red-painted cedar rope surrounds the edges. Black painted details highlight the powerful beak and fierce expression.

A fringe of hand-worked traditional red cedar bark forms a panel at the throat, and more shredded cedar bark forms the topknot. Articulated “clapper” style beak opens and closes with a string line which can be repositioned and held open or closed for display as you prefer.

In First Nations indigenous cultures, hand-worked red cedar bark traditionally is dried out after pulling it from the tree in the spring. A lengthy process softens and shreds the bark so that art adornment, clothing, and regalia can be made from it. In times past, these tools traditionally were either made of yew wood or whale bone.

The artist, a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations, was born 1950 in Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia, Canada. The Kwakwaka’wakw people occupy the lower central region of the Pacific Northwest Coast.

He carves in yellow and red cedar wood. He lives now on Vancouver Island and teaches basic carving skills to elementary school children. He is a very well known and very well liked Northwest Coast Native artist who is preserving the carving traditions of his people.

The four laws that govern Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations people are:

• Respect for All of Creation: equality of humans, animals and the earth “all of creation”
• Maintenance of a Strong Spirituality
• The Value of a Relationship with our people and other Nations
• Bringing forth “the Gift of the Self”: an individual is connected to the community through what one brings to it.

The Native Eagle Symbol is known as “The master of skies” and is a symbol of great significance. He is believed to be the creature with the closest relationship with the creator.

Soaring to great heights, he can travel between the physical and the spiritual world. He is said to be a messenger to the creator. Unlike the raven’s ability to send messages down, the eagle sends messages and prayers up to the Creator.

If an Eagle was seen during a Prayer session it was a sign of having a prayer accepted. If a prayer needed immediate attention from the creator, an eagle feather would be held up towards the sky. Although every part of the eagle has separate and significant meanings, the Eagle as a whole signifies focus, strength, peace, leadership, and ultimate prestige. Thank you spiritsofthewestcoast.com