Thunderbird and Orca Whale Vertical Panel measures 37 X 9.5 X 1 inches. Priced at $1250. Painted with red and black accents atop solid yellow cedar, carved with excellent precision and care.

A Quileute legend of these two entities may transcribe to epic tsunami activity experienced in the Northwest over thousands of years. The legend can be summarized as follows:

Whale was a monster, killing other whales and depriving the Quileute tribe of meat and oil. Thunderbird, a benevolent supernatural being, saw from its home high in the mountains that the people were starving. It soared out over the coastal waters, then plunged into the ocean and seized Whale. A struggle ensued; the ocean receded and rose again. Many canoes were flung into trees and many people were killed. Thunderbird eventually succeeded in lifting Whale out of the ocean, carrying it high into the air and then dropping it. Then another great battle occurred on the land.

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.