Loon Paddle By Alfred Robertson

This paddle, by Alfred Robertson, is carved from red cedar. The design is well thought-out, all of the lines have been carved, and the artist has applied a stain, which accentuates the beautiful natural grain of the wood and gives the paddle a nice aged look. Alfred has signed the back of the piece.

Loon is a prominent being within the art and oral tradition of Northwest Coast Peoples. It is a creature respected for its knowledge of different realms and for its unusual vocals. “The bird is said to have delighted in scaring those on shore or in canoes, especially in the fog that so often rolled in to shore in summer.”

Amongst the Kwakwaka’wakw, Loon is closely associated with Komokwa, Chief of the Undersea World, often depicted sitting on his head. Shamans often wear Loon headdresses and they often act as spirit guides, a product of the bird’s ability to transcend environments.

Loon’s body is generally depicted within a floating posture, the beak is prominent, slightly tapering and blunt at the tip and the characteristic spots are sometimes, but not always, visible.

Price: $315.00 Cdn