21" tall including the stand. Hand carved yellow cedar whistle by Gitxsan / Nisga master carver Randy Tait.
This carving is a whistle. Randy studied the fine points of carving whistles at K'san carving school in Gitanmaxx. This whistle is an intricately carved totem pole depicting a family of bears fishing to provide sustenance. Bears, particularly mother bears are a great example of caring for family. Caring for by provide the necessities, and by protecting from harm.
Bears possess a gentle and timid nature, revealing their protective, friendly, and compassionate sides. Their remarkable intelligence allows for diverse forms of communication. Their physical prowess is equally notable as they can reach speeds of up to 40 km per hour, quickly climb tall trees, and possess an exceptional sense of smell capable of detecting scents from over a mile away.
Bears are seen as guardians of the forest. They play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Native people respect bears and have lived in harmony with them throughout time. This relationship contributes to protecting bears and their habitats, as their well-being is linked to the overall balance of life.