Fierce carved details in thick wood convey the kinetic power of an eagle catching salmon. The eagle’s wings are extended, talons thrust forward, eyes in full focus on the fish. Many beautiful Mother-of-pearl inlays add to the piece. Hand-rubbed golden color treatment. The artist included a salmon egg design in the wing of the eagle in a nod to the connectedness of all things. A large and commanding piece, it measures 32 x 11 x 1.25 inches, priced at $1400.

The artist is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) First Nation, originating from Vancouver Island, on Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada.

His father was a hereditary chief of the Snaw-naw-as Nation, originating from Nanoose Bay.

The artist is known world wide for his beautiful creations of wood, gold and silver, truly keeping the tradition of his peoples in mind. He clearly loves his art and is constantly developing new designs.

The Salmon represents the Staff of Life and is an essential life force to Northwest native peoples. 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.

The original inhabitants of the West Coast of Vancouver Island in BC are known as the Nuu-Chah-Nulth, a collective term for several tribes in the area. The area was previously more commonly referred to as “Nootka”, which originated as a misnomer used by Captain James Cook after his arrival to the area by ship. The Nuu-chah-nulth Nation stretches along the Pacific Ocean from Brooks Peninsula on Northern Vancouver Island to the U.S. Olympic Peninsula.

Nuu-chah-nulth art is traditionally bold and uncluttered, less elaborate than other Northwest Coast art forms, flowing with flexible formlines, and often natural in finish. Colors used may include black, red, white, yellow, orange, green, and rich blue. West Coast style is perhaps most easily identified by its abstracted and angular geometric designs with hard edges. Art and other cultural objects traditional to the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples include totem poles, masks, ocean canoes, baskets, regalia, paddles, and more, much of which are created for potlatching. These objects often depict semi-realistic animals, mythological creatures such as a Thunderbird or Lightning Snake, and humans, which might merge or intersect to tell a traditional story, legend, or myth.