Description

This Chief Talking Staff was hand-carved by Kwakwaka wakw artist Greg Henderson of the Wei Wai Kum Nation in Campbell River, BC. It has been carved from yellow cedar and painted in acrylic. The design includes a Thunderbird on top, then a Whale, a Raven, and at the bottom a Bear. The stand represents an Eagle and is carved in red cedar.

The Thunderbird Symbol represents power, protection, and strength. He is often seen as the most powerful of all spirits and can also transform into human form by opening his head up like a mask and taking his feathers off as if they were a mere blanket. Under his wings are lightning snakes, which he can use as a tool or weapon.

Find more information about and examples of The Thunderbird Northwest Coast First Nations symbol.

The Orca or Killer Whale symbolizes family, romance, longevity, harmony, travel, community and protection. He is said to protect those who travel away from home, and to lead them back when the time comes. Orcas will often stay their whole life with the same pod and raise each calf with care.

Find more information about and examples of The Orca Killer Whale Northwest Coast First Nations symbol.

Mischievous and curious, the Raven plays many important roles in Pacific Northwest Coast Culture. For some, he symbolizes creation, transformation, knowledge, prestige as well as the complexity of nature and the subtlety of truth. He also symbolizes the unknown and shows that every person sees the world in a different way.

Find more information about and examples of The Raven Northwest Coast First Nations symbol.

The Bear Symbol represents strength, family, vitality courage and health. The bear is thoughtful and independent, with little need for fellowship. The bear is also self-contained and strong-willed in nature. A Bear is of great support and comfort to those who crave human company simply for personal reassurance rather than for the simple pleasure of being with friends. He makes lonely periods of life far easier.

Find more information about and examples of The Bear Northwest Coast First Nations symbol.

Talking Staffs are used in many Northwest Coast Nations. Resembling a small totem pole, a talking stick may be carved with one or several crests. Talking staffs allow for orderly, just and impartial public hearings. It may be passed around a group gathering, with the person holding it being able to speak, or it may be used exclusively by a leader as a symbol of their authority. Talking sticks are not only useful, but also have high ceremonial and spiritual significance.

Not including the stand, the staff measures approximately 66 inches or 168 centimeters high, 19 1 2 inches or 49 1 2 centimeters wide, and 5 1 2 inches or 14 centimeters deep. When the staff sits inside the stand, the staff and stand together measure approximately 69 inches or 175 centimeters high. The stand by itself measures about 5 1 4 inches or 13 1 2 centimeters high, 12 inches or 30 1 2 centimeters wide, and 9 1 2 inches or 24 centimeters deep.

This piece was part of our exhibition Looking After a Legacy: Through the Grains of Cedar which ran from September 3rd to December 31st 2022.