This fearsome First Nations Crooked Beak bird is handcrafted with black and red paint and set off with a fringe of hand-worked traditional red cedar bark. Measures 18 X 13, priced at $825.

This piece is part of a trio (sold separately or together, as desired) of the mythological birds of the Hamatsa dance, performed by a secret society.

The artist is a member of the Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka’wakw) First Nation with part of her heritage connecting to the Coast Salish. She was born in Nanaimo, a small fishing town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. She started carving under the guidance of her father, a master carver.

With over 20 years’ experience, she has now developed her own style, clearly showing the “female touch” and absolutely fantastic craftsmanship. She shows her love for the art of carving through her detailing and her clean and deep cuts. Strong lines and truly gorgeous expressions in her pieces of art.

She loves to step outside the traditional colors and using bold, vibrant and absolutely stunning designs from both cultures, the Kwakiutl as well as the Coast Salish.

She has become one of the best known female artists from the Northwest coast and is highly sought after by collectors world wide.

Restoring their ties to their land, culture and rights, the Kwakwaka’wakw have undertaken much in bringing back their customs, beliefs and language.

In contrast to most non-native societies, wealth and status were not determined by how much you had, but by how much you had to give away. This act of giving away your wealth was one of the main acts in a potlatch.

Potlatches occur more frequently now as families reconnect to their birthright, and the community uses language programs, classes and social events to restore the language.

The Crooked Beak is one of the mythological cannibal birds of the Hamatsa secret society dance. It is one of several bird figures which play a role in the exclusive Hamat’sa society – a winter dance society unique to the Kwagiulth/Kwakwaka‘wakw. This supernatural being is one of three main bird figures who arrive during the Hamat’sa ceremony. These three are attendants to Baxwbakwalanuxsiwe’, the Cannibal-of-the-North-End-of-the-World.
– Quote from Eugene Hunt – First Nations Kwakwaka’wakw Artist