First Nations Orca Whale is carved in yellow cedar. Traditional black, green and cinnabar red paint highlights have been expertly applied alongside the very precise and masterful carving quality. This piece measures 18 x 6 x .5 inches, priced at $550. The beautiful textured carving technique is well worth zooming in to see, hover your cursor over the picture.

This artist is a member of a very famous carving family. He is a member of the Squamish Nation, which consists of descendants of the Coast Salish Aboriginal peoples, originating from the greater Vancouver area, Gibson’s Landing and Squamish River watershed.

This young artist’s style is a blend of strong family Kwakwaka’wakw art styles, with unique personal taste towards contemporary inspirations. We are delighted to offer his excellent work.

The Native Orca Symbol (also known as Killer Whale or Blackfish) symbolizes family, romance, longevity, harmony, travel, community and protection. He is said to protect those who travel away from home, and to lead them back when the time comes. This is incredibly important for seafaring communities such as many First Nations of the Northwest Coast. Orcas will often stay their whole life with the same pod and raise each calf with care. There is much for growing calves to be taught about communication and their skilled coordinated hunting techniques that Orca pods execute together with precision. Orcas travel in large family groups, working together to protect all members of their pod.

Also known as the “Lord of the Ocean” the Killer whale is said to be the guardian of the ocean, with seals as his slaves and dolphins as his warriors. It is believed that Killer Whales are closely related to humans, and it is said that when a human drowns the human is taken down by Killer Whales into their deep villages and transformed into a Killer Whale. Thank you spiritsofthewestcoast.com