First Nations Orca and Salmon Panel is masterfully carved into old growth Red Cedar and painted with black, white, red and blue colors. Measures 13 x 9. Priced at $490.

The artist is a member of a large and well-known family of artists from the Coast Salish (Squamish) First Nation of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

The Orca whale (also known as Blackfish) is an important medicine animal to the Native American tribes of the Northwest Coast. Orca whales are considered a totem of power and loyalty, and catching sight of one is considered a momentous omen.

Many First Nation peoples view the Orca as a special protector of humankind and never hunted killer whales (although they were very accomplished hunters of Gray whales and other similar species.)

Salmon are an extremely important animal to both the lifestyle and the spirituality of many Native American cultures, especially the tribes of the Northwest Coast and the Columbia River. Like buffalo, salmon willingly give themselves up as food for humans in many Northwest Native American myths, and therefore these fish hold a special position of honor and respect.

There are many taboos and other tribal rules regarding salmon, so as to avoid offending them, and special Salmon Dances and First Salmon Ceremonies are celebrated at the beginning of salmon fishing season throughout the Pacific Northwest region. In Native Northwest artwork and literature, salmon are often used as a symbol of determination, renewal, and prosperity.