Thunderbird Plaque Northwest Coast Carving by James Lewis

James Lewis, a well-known Northwest Coast artist, hand carved and painted this thunderbird wall plaque in 1989. The Squamish people are indigenous to British Columbia, Canada; Lewis made this First Nations formline art in North Vancouver, B.C. The plaque, made of yellow cedar, was signed by the artist in black on the back, along with the date and other information.

This thunderbird, as is common to PNW Coast art, is depicted with a large hooked beak and horns on his head, which denote supernatural powers. The carved designs are in relief, hand painted in green and red against the black body. 

This is a large piece, measuring 20 1/2 inches tall, 5 3/4 inches across the base, nearly 1/2 inch thick. It weighs 14 ounces and is in excellent condition, ready to hang with the black leather loop that's attached on the back with a red tack. 

FF 5289