The First Carver
DateFebruary 1993
Maker
Stan Greene
First Nations, Semiahmoo, born 1953
Label TextWoodpeckers are considered to be the first carvers and guiding spirits for Indigenous artists. From a traditional story, we learn that when Woodpecker’s wife was stolen by a raiding tribe, he prayed to the Creator for help. In response, Woodpecker received the knowledge of canoe carving and created a canoe that had supernatural powers. With great speed and stealth, it guided Woodpecker to where his wife was captive. They returned home and always honored the Creator.
Object number2018.29.48
Provenance[Pacific Editions Limited, Victoria, British Columbia]; purchased by Bruce and Mary-Louise Colwell, Seattle, Washington, Nov. 21, 2003
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Avian Avatars: Birds in Northwest Coast Prints from the Colwell Collection, Dec. 15, 2021 - June 12, 2022.Credit LineGift of R. Bruce and Mary-Louise Colwell
Dimensions15 x 18 1/8 in. (38.1 x 46 cm)
MediumSilkscreen on Stonehenge cover white rag paper
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