Created by Indigenous master artist Mathew Baker. 1/2" wide, sterling silver with 14 kt gold onlay. Mathew is available for custom orders. You may choose the length, the width, the design and the materials.
The bear symbolizes healing, strength, protection, and a deep connection to the natural and spiritual worlds. Cedar carvings capture the bear’s profound intelligence and communicative nature. The cedar material itself grounds the artwork in the forest’s spirit.
The bear is associated with healing and doctoring. Indigenous medicine people have long observed the bear's knowledge of medicinal plants, noting what bears consume when sick or what they rub against when wounded. Its great power and strength extend to the spirit world, making the bear a formidable protector. This protective nature is illustrated in the image of the Mother Bear and her cubs, a universal symbol of fierce devotion and safeguarding of family.
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.
The bear is an important family crest in northwest coast Native cultures. Bear clan members are believed to be descended from a time when Humans and Bears transformed back and forth and communicated freely. This history illustrates the interconnectedness of all life. The Bear is widely represented on totem poles, masks, and other carvings reminding of the power and value of the natural and supernatural worlds.