Sisiutl + Killer Whale Pole
Bill Henderson
This Sisiutl + Killer Whale figure features a yellow cedar pole painted in the black, red, and dark green colours of a killer whale. It is carved standing upside-down on top of a human face. Protruding from the bottom are two sisiutl (wolf serpent) faces. The killer whale figure is associated with strength, dignity and prosperity. It is believed to be the reincarnation of chiefs.
Born in 1950, Bill Henderson is a member of the Weiwaikum Tribe of the Kwakwaka'wakw people and grew up in Campbell River, BC. Bill learned to carve at a young age by watching his father, Chief Sam Henderson. At the age of nineteen, Bill began his artistic career in earnest and has since developed his skills such that he is well-known across the world. In addition to carving cedar masks, bowls, paddles, sculptures and plaques, Bill also builds many of his tools himself. He is also a professional dancer, performing traditional Kwakwaka’wakw dances at potlatches and other ceremonies.
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