**Originally Listed At $400**

Doug Howe (First Nations / Canadian, Haida, 21st century). Salmon. Painted red cedar plaque, n.d. Signed with year on verso. A wonderful hand-carved red cedar plaque of a salmon, head turned up and body curved as though swimming. The stylized fish is adorned with deep grooves that form his fins as well as abstract designs that adorn his body. Black and red applied pigments beautifully contrast the natural, light brown graining of the wood. A symbol of abundance, the salmon is the main food source for the people of the Pacific Northwest, and the Haida people considered themselves "Salmon people." According to legend, salmons are humans with eternal life. In Springtime, the people dress in salmon disguises to feed the villagers and after consumption the villagers throw the skeleton back in the ocean, so the spirits would rise again and change back into human form. Therefore, the salmon is to be respected because it is both human and spirit. Size: 23" L x 10.3" W (58.4 cm x 26.2 cm)

Provenance: private Don Phelps collection, owner Todos Santos Trading Post, Alamo, California, USA, before 2000

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#180342

Signed with year on verso. A few very light scratches and nicks to surface; none greatly affecting imagery. Otherwise, intact and in overall excellent condition with great pigments. Suspension hook on verso for display.