Sisiutl Master carving by Bob Whonnock

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• Nation: Kwakwaka' wakw art, Kwakiutl art, native artists Vancouver Island
• Artist: Whonnock, Bob (Robert)
• Type: Wall panels and wall plaques

HIGHEST QUALITY! Authentic and incredible master carving and fabulous example of true Indigenous First Nations Art

Large, hand carved, stained, painted and polished

Sisiutl with Human - wall panel. Have a close look, this piece truly is exceptional and one of a kind. The details and the depth of the carving clearly shows the artists love for this art. 

Measurements: 26" tall, 19.5" wide, 1" thick 

Robert Whonnock is a well-known Kwakiutl carver whose fine art is sold around the world.  He was one of three artists who created and carved the Coquitlam Columbian Centennial Totem Pole in 1967 at the Dogwood Pavillion Grounds in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. The senior carver was Lloyd Wadhams Sr. who was taught the art of carving by Chief Henry Speck. Lloyd Wadhams most famous commission was a chalice carved for Pope John Paul II, and presented during his 1984 visit to Ottawa. Working with Lloyd, was John Edward Neel and Robert Whonnock.

Meaning of the SISIUTL: A dramatic supernatural creature, the double headed Sea Serpent is one of the most high ranking crests in Kwagiulth culture. Its power possesses it to shift shape and transform from animal to man at anytime. As well, a Sisiutl can change itself into a self-propelled canoe which the owner must feed with Seals. Touching the serpent or even looking at it, or a glance from it, can cause death. Legends say Shamans tried to kill the Sisiutl for its healing power and magic. It's closely assocated with war and strength, death and revival, so warriors try to kill it to rub its blood on themselves to attain its skillful strength and become invulnerable. A warrior would often wear a head band or belt in the image of a Sisiutl to provide protection from harm. Flakes of shiny mica found on beaches were thought to be the discarded scales from the serpent's body. Whether carved or painted, the Sisiutl is depicted with a profile head, teeth and a large curled tongue at each end of its serpentine form and in the centre is a human head. Fins run along its back and curled appendages or horns rise from all three heads. The painted body represents scales and it may be carved horizontally, formed into a U-shape or coiled into a circle. Sisiutl guarded the entrance to the homes of the supernatural. It was painted on the sides of canoes and hung over doorways to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits.

Condition: great condition - but it is an older piece of art and does show signs of aging, such as some discoloration, some scratches, nothing unexpected and nothing that takes away from the quality of this piece.

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Robert Whonnock is a well-known Kwakiutl carver whose fine art is sold around the world.  He was one of three artists who created and carved the Coquitlam Columbian Centennial Totem Pole in 1967 at the Dogwood Pavillion Grounds...Artist bio and other available works »