2' long. ' West Coast Wildlife Feasting on Salmon' panel. Hand carved and painted by George Matilpi (Kwak'waka'wakw).
George Matilpi is a member of the Kwak'waka'wakw Nation. He was born in 1953 in the tiny fishing village of Alert Bay, off the east coast of Vancouver Island. George's family crest is the Thunderbird. He began to carve at the age of fourteen. His family has produced prominent artists for many generations. George apprenticed with his half brother, Lloyd Wadhams, and cousin Ned Matilpi. George is a full-time carver who prefers to work in cedar, which is central to Pacific Northwest Coast Native culture.