36" Thunderbird, yellow cedar, masterpiece by Tom D. Hunt (Walawidi)

• Nation: Kwakwaka' wakw art, Kwakiutl art, native artists Vancouver Island
• Artist: Hunt, Tom D. (Walawidi)
• Type: Wall panels and wall plaques

Local pick-up and shipping available within Canada, please contact us for details and option to the US

Another spectacular masterpiece by Kwakiulth Indigenous artist Walawidi - Tom D. Hunt

The details of this piece are so incredible, please have a close look to appreciate the work the artist is putting into his art.

THUNDERBIRD 

To watch the process just always amazes me. This is a superb quality piece of art. The cuts are just incredible - most more than 1 1/2" deep! Very powerful piece! The cedar panel is laminated, additional support added at the back by the artist. It's prepared for wall hanging. Signed and dated at the back. Tom used beautiful, vibrant colors and the painting is extremely clean and just masterfully done. The combination of blue, red, black and copper on the yellow of the cedar makes it truly outstanding. 

Meaning: The Thunderbird symbolizes supernatural power and is believed to be the dominating force behind all of nature’s doings. It’s a mythical creature and only the most prestigious and powerful Chiefs are allowed to have the Thunderbird as a crest especially among the Kwagiulth, Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Coast Salish people.

Legend: The Thunderbird is credited with creating storms. It's believed to live high in the mountains and carry lightening bolts under its enormous wings. When he blinked lightning came out of his eyes, and when he flapped his wings, thunder roared. He hunted and ate Killer Whales by using the two lightning snakes kept under his wings. They have the heads of wolves and are revered for their great hunting capability. These lightning snakes were often painted on the sides of canoes and then covered up by another coat of paint. The power emitted from these snakes would help the native whalers in their hunt. Frequently depicted in Native art, the Thunderbird is often shown clutching the Killer Whale in its talons and on top of totem poles with its wings outspread. Many legends are associated with the Thunderbird. One prominent legend tells of the people's great dependence on the Salmon. One day, the Killer Whale swam into the bay and the Salmon were frightened away. Soon the people began to starve and called out to the Thunderbird for help. The Thunderbird swooped down, grabbed the Killer Whale and carried him out to the sea. The Salmon returned and the people were no longer hungry. Thus, the Thunderbird was known as a protector of the people and deeply revered.

Measurements: 36" diameter, 2" thick

We guarantee the authenticity of every piece of art sold through our Gallery !!! 

Each piece we show is the original and is the piece you’ll receive!

We do not offer “similar or different than image shown”, copies, reproductions, mass-produced, machine made or so called native-inspired/native-style knock-off pieces.

Note: Invoice in CAD, no overseas shipping available at this time, USD amounts based on average weekly exchange rate

 

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Tom D. Hunt (Walawidi), is the son of Hereditary Chief George Hunt and May Hunt. Tom D. Hunt is a member of the Kwakiutl, or Kwakwaka’wakw Nation, born in 1964. Tom began apprenticing in Kwakiutl art with his father at the age of twelve and...Artist bio and other available works »