11" long, 8" wide, 6" high. Red and Yellow cedar. Hand made bentwood box, hand carved and painted by Kwak'waka'wakw artist Lawrence Scow.
In the rich tapestry of Northwest Coast Indigenous storytelling, Killer Whales (Orcas) and Thunderbirds are powerful beings often intertwined, representing the potent forces of the natural world. Their relationship, while not always one of direct interaction, highlights the interconnectedness of the land, sea, and sky.
Thunderbird, a colossal bird of immense power, dominates the skies, bringing thunder and lightning. Orcas, rulers of the deep, command the ocean's currents and possess formidable strength. Both are seen as apex predators, embodying power and respect.
Stories often depict them as spiritual beings, capable of transformation and wielding supernatural abilities. Some narratives suggest that Thunderbirds hunt whales, illustrating a natural order where even the mightiest creatures are subject to higher powers. In other tales, they may be seen as allies, or even related spirits, sharing a connection to ancestral power.
The orca's association with the underwater world and the Thunderbird's dominion over the sky create a symbolic representation of the vastness and power of the natural world. This relationship emphasizes the balance and interconnectedness of all living things, and the importance of respecting the forces that shape their environment.
