Northwest Coast Native Art

$295.00

Item NLA1003

16 x 16 x 3

4 lbs. 0 oz.

Extra packaging required. A surcharge of 18.00 will be added to order.

Thunderbird

Etched glass on cedar circle with attached hanger

John Goodwin

John Goodwin is a Native American from the Makah Tribe. John has worked all his life as an Artist and a Fisherman. He is a renowned artist and uses several mediums that teach the legends of his people - including carving in silver and screened originals. Some of his designs are very complex - others are simplex, either way, retaining great significance. Each piece is an original design by John.

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Thunderbird

The Thunderbird is recognized by its large recurved beak and horn on top of its head, which symbolized the supernatural. Thunderbird was the most powerful of the spirits. During a storm the Thunderbird scoops up the Killer Whale. The Elders say the bones of Killer Whales have been found on mountaintops, left there by the Great Thunderbird.

In the Northwest Coast Native American culture the Thunderbird is a giant, supernatural bird, named for his habit of causing thunder and lightning. Beneath his wings he carries "Lightning Snakes," which are his weapons. Thunder rolls from the flap of his wings, and lightning flashes when he blinks his great eyes or throws the "Lightning Snakes". He is large and strong enough to hunt Killer Whales, which he strikes dead with the wolf-headed, serpent-tongued Lightning Snakes. Thunderbird carries his prey high into the mountains to feed. From his home in these great heights, he rules majestically, keeping a close watch over his dominion. Thunderbird is intelligent and proud, and humans who attempt to outwit Thunderbird are certain to have their intentions backfire!

Understanding Northwest Coast Art - Cheryl Shearar