Northwest Coast Native Art

$200.00

Item 04500

7 3/4 x 5 1/4 x 5

5 lbs. 6 oz.

Extra packaging required. A surcharge of 7.00 will be added to order.

Guardian of the Salmon

Bronze sculpture collectors piece

Echoing contemporary monumental works by First Nations artists such as The Black Canoe, by Bill Reid, this new series from artist Michael MacLean blends tribal and figurative motifs. These exciting and timely pieces testify to the strength in our shared cultures. Animals can be experienced as elemental forces with totemic power and as individual beings with mortal problems and triumphs. These bronze sculptures were created as a prayer for the continuation of myth as well as biodiversity.

The Guardian of the Salmon

The Guardian heralds the return of the Salmon for their spring run. He rejoices in his song of welcome and calls all to share honorably in their generous offering of life.

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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.