Northwest Coast Native Art

$54.00

Item 20418

7/8 x 7/8

0 lbs. 1 oz.

Salmon

Sterling Silver Earrings - by Danny Dennis

Danny Dennis

A Tsimshian native artist of the Frog Clan, Danny Dennis was born in 1951 at the Gitskan Village of Kitwanga. Danny's art reflects the beauty of his homeland, combining his past with his present day experiences. A self-taught artist, Danny Dennis cites mentors such as master artists Francis Williams and Robert Davidson as inspirational ever since pursuing his professional artistic career in 1978. Danny carves indigenous materials such as ivory and mastodon bone. Collectors of finely carved gold and silver jewelry enjoy his traditional design work. Unique to Danny's art are the free-flowing lines capturing the expression of freedom, and the infinite possibilities of where a person's spirit can lead them.

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Salmon

The Salmon's life cycle was - and is - highly respected, and in the native world proper honoring brought prosperity to native communities. The primary food source of tribal peoples, many legends refer to its importance in both the real and ritual life of human communities where the bones of the first salmon of every season are, to this day, respectfully returned to the river. According to Tsimshian legend, salmon were originally salmon people living in 5 villages. These five species of salmon represented the 5 villages - Iyai (spring salmon), Mesaw (sockeye), Werh (coho), Stemawn (pink), and Qanees (dog salmon). In early spring, they changed into their fish form and started on their journey, but each group at different times. Salmon was a major food source for all the Northwest Coast peoples, and therefore a major part of their cultures.

Salmon is the life source and the provider of food for all animals and humans. Treated with high regard, the Salmon is a symbol of immortality and wealth. The great abundance of the salmon allowed the culture of the Northwest Coast to flourish.