#canadianaboriginalart

[david-neel-north-west-native-art]

Orcas are one of the most intelligent sea creatures, they have strong family groups (pods) and are known to mate for life.

Orca 1-1/2" wide silver bracelet

[david-neel-north-west-native-art]

Recently I started doing repousse again, combining it with hand engraving. I set it aside for a while, because I just had too many things on the go.

Hummingbird pendant in progress.

[david-neel-north-west-native-art]

Wide bands are my personal favorite, like this Eagle ring in two-tone gold with a ½ carat diamond in a bezel setting.

[david-neel-north-west-native-art]

In an ancient Kwakwaka'wakw story, a chief’s son went in search of supernatural power. He crossed 10 mountains & found a hidden mountain lake. While bathing, his body was covered by Hummingbirds. He emerged from the water to find that he had supernatural power. - Hummingbird necklace, gold, diamonds, & abalone shell.

www.davidneelstudio.com

[david-neel-north-west-native-art]

Long ago, the people were starving so K·!ā’lamin went hunting mountain goats to feed the village. He met Merciful Bear & was taken to the underground village of the mountain goats. He was given a supernatural gift & became a great hunter. But there was one taboo, which he broke, & he was transformed into a mountain goat.

Mountain Goat Hunter mask

[david-neel-north-west-native-art]

I like the way a mask looks when the carving is finished, just before it is painted. Sometimes I think just painting the eyes would be sufficient.

Mountain Goat Hunter mask, red cedar

[david-neel-north-west-native-art]

The Hummingbird symbolizes healing and fortitude, and one of the more graceful Northwest Native designs.

Hummingbird necklace, gold, diamonds & abalone shell

[david-neel-north-west-native-art]

A Canadian museum contacted me about my work in their collection. Then I realized that they had the wrong title on my piece . For 30 years! One Earth Four Races, limited edition print, 1991