Thunderbird

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.

Thunderbird is not a primary crest figure amongst Northern Nations, instead being associated with Southern nations like the Nuu-chah-nulth, Salish, and Kwakwaka’wakw. Some oral traditions suggest that Thunderbird preys on Killer Whales and lives in the peaks of the coastal mountains. Others recount that this supernatural figure creates the boom of thunder as he flaps his wings in flight and is said to shoot lightning snakes from his eyes. It is sometimes suggested to epitomize power and strength. Not to be confused with Eagle, Thunderbird is identified by an exaggerated crooked beak and prominent horns. Sometimes artists will depict Thunderbird with teeth, lightning motifs, or alongside Killer Whale.

18 items

Raven, Sun Mask, and Thunderbird Bracelet
Chief Amos Dawson (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.Sun is not a ...

$3,000.00

Yexw (Thunderbird)
Jonas Jones (Salish)

Edition /13Available framed for $350 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly.Yexw. The thunderbi...

Edition /13Available framed for $350 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly.Yexw. The thunderbird soars free. A reminder to rise above adversity, to overcome each obstacle set throughout life. To be free." - Jonas Jones, 2023

$100.00

Yexw (Thunderbird)
Jonas Jones (Salish)

Edition /13Available framed for $350 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly.Yexw. The thunderbi...

Edition /13Available framed for $350 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly.Yexw. The thunderbird soars free. A reminder to rise above adversity, to overcome each obstacle set throughout life. To be free." - Jonas Jones, 2023

$100.00

Thunderbird Bracelet
Randy Wisla (Carrier)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Thunderbird ...

$120.00

Thunderbird Bracelet
Gerry Marks (Haida)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Thunderbird ...

$1,600.00

Thunderbird and Bear Model Pole
Ellen Neel (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Signed "Ellen Neel, Not finished on her death"   Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coas...

Signed "Ellen Neel, Not finished on her death"   Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including ora...

$1,200.00

Thunderbird and Human Model Pole
Charlie James (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.Thunderbird i...

$3,200.00

Thunderbird and Bear Model Pole
Tom Moses (Salish)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.Thunderbird i...

$350.00

Thunderbird Earrings
Bill Reid (Haida)

Hallmarked, Signed "R 1/5" These earrings are the only pair in the edition of 5 that were made. T...

Hallmarked, Signed "R 1/5" These earrings are the only pair in the edition of 5 that were made. The estate guarantees that no future editions will be made.   Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwor...

$30,000.00

Thunderbird Pole
Charlie James (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Thunderbird ...

$2,500.00

Thunderbird, Bear, and Human Model Pole
Charlie James (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.Thunderbird i...

$12,000.00

Haida Thunderbird
Bill Reid (Haida)

1981 Edition 170/195 This print is currently unframed and is available framed for $5,100 CAD. Ple...

1981 Edition 170/195 This print is currently unframed and is available framed for $5,100 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meani...

$4,500.00

Killer Whale and Thunderbird Bangle
Gilbert Pat (Salish)

"The first whale came into being when they were carved in wood by Raven and then magically infuse...

"The first whale came into being when they were carved in wood by Raven and then magically infused with a life force. Killer Whale is a very important crest and mythic being among the coastal groups, and one of the most commonly depicted in the art. Killer Whales are widely accepted as clan ancestors, and are found in shamanic, story and crest art" (Shearar 2000: 62). - Understanding Northwest Coast Art: A Guide to Crests, Beings and Symbols“Thunderbird is the illustrious ancestor of many pro...

$120.00

Thunderbird Pendant
Gilbert Pat (Salish)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Thunderbird ...

$70.00

Thunderbird Pendant
Allan P. Davidson (Haida)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Thunderbird ...

$300.00

Supernatural
Dylan Thomas (Salish)

Edition /72Available framed for $500 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly.Thunderbird is the ...

Edition /72Available framed for $500 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly.Thunderbird is the illustrious ancestor and crest of many prominent human lineages. Large enough to hunt whales, the Thunderbird is a powerful being associated with power, change and the sky in myths throughout the Northwest Coast. Often depicted with a sharply hooked beak, horns and large ears and is sometimes represented as having teeth.

$150.00

Tomorrow's Dream
Susan Point (Salish)

Edition AP II/X 1991 Available framed for $1400 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly.   Indig...

Edition AP II/X 1991 Available framed for $1400 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly.   Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteris...

$1,000.00

Thunder Mountain
Thomas Cannell (Salish)

Edition /115 Available framed for $900 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly. Indigenous artw...

Edition /115 Available framed for $900 CAD. Please contact the gallery directly. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from ...

$440.00