This First Nations Thunderbird Mask is unsigned. It is priced at $1200. It is clearly the work of a masterful carver at the top of their game, and not a reproduction. The piece measures approximately 12 inches high and 8 inches wide by 9 inches deep. The carving and vivid painting is spectacular. The mask has eyeholes drilled through for a wearer, so it could actually be donned.

Thunderbird is an important symbol in First Nations lore. The Thunderbird Symbol represents power, protection, and strength. Thunderbird is often seen as the most powerful of all spirits and can also transform into human form by opening his head up like a mask and taking his feathers off as if they were a mere blanket!

Some tribes such as the Kwakwaka’wakw believe that their people once made a deal with the Thunderbird for its help during a food crisis and in return, the tribe agreed to honor the Thunderbird for all time by making its image prominent in their Northwest Native American art. This is why West Coast art totem poles are often carved with Thunderbirds with outstretched wings at the top.

First Nations art portrays the Thunderbird with a huge curving beak and prominent ears or horns. The Thunderbird is large and strong enough to hunt its favorite food which is the killer whale. The Thunderbird and killer whale are often depicted together in Northwest Native American art.