This 5-foot hand-carved yellow cedar paddle depicts the intricate beauty and cultural significance of the hummingbird.
Created by talented Kwakwaka’wakw artist Lawrence Scow, the paddle depicts a hummingbird in mid-flight, delicately drawing nectar from a flower. The design captures the bird’s remarkable agility and grace, qualities admired by warriors and cherished by all. Hummingbirds, native to the Americas, are revered in many Indigenous cultures for their ability to hover, fly sideways, and move backwards and forwards—a symbol of adaptability and resilience. In some traditions, they are known as "tobacco birds," spiritual helpers to shamans in healing ceremonies, and are often associated with the sun’s life-giving energy.
The hummingbird’s association with love, compassion, and healing is beautifully embodied in this piece. The artist’s meticulous craftsmanship is evident in the flowing lines and intricate details, enhanced by traditional colors that bring the design to life. With purchase, a biography of the Kwakwaka’wakw artist is provided, offering insight into his cultural heritage and artistic journey. This paddle is a celebration of Indigenous artistry, storytelling, and the enduring connection between nature and spirituality.
