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The First Carver

February 1993

First Nations, Semiahmoo, born 1953

Woodpeckers 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.

Silkscreen on Stonehenge cover white rag paper

15 x 18 1/8 in. (38.1 x 46 cm)

Gift of R. Bruce and Mary-Louise Colwell

2018.29.48

Provenance: [Pacific Editions Limited, Victoria, British Columbia]; purchased by Bruce and Mary-Louise Colwell, Seattle, Washington, Nov. 21, 2003

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Avian Avatars: Birds in Northwest Coast Prints from the Colwell Collection, Dec. 15, 2021 - June 12, 2022.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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