Native American, Pacific Northwest, ca. 20th to early 21st century CE. A fine, hand-carved cedar plaque in the form of the head of a Thunderbird with clear cut lines and vibrant colors, crowned by strands of raffia. Painted in hues of red, green, and black that nicely contrast the chocolate brown of the wood, the mythical creature presents a long beak, a huge eye, and a pointed ear. Thunderbirds are usually said to bring storms and rain in the native stories. They create thunder by flapping their wings and shoot lightning bolts out of their eyes. To the Pacific Northwest Indian, the Thunderbird is the most powerful of all spirits. The thunderbird is a regular fixture on top of totem poles of native tribes in the Northwest. Size: 12.5" W x 7.1" H (31.8 cm x 18 cm)

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in Anchorage, AK

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#178313

Small nick to top of ear and some fraying and loss to raffia, but otherwise, intact and excellent with nice pigments and light patina. Signed with title on verso, though signature is illegible. Leather suspension loop on verso for display.