First Nations Thunderbird Wall Plaque Alert Bay BC by Tom Whonnock

This pine thunderbird plaque was hand carved and painted by ’Namgis First Nation artist Tom Whonnock of Alert Bay, British Columbia. Born in 1955, he started carving at the age of 15, learning form and technique from his godfather Godfrey Hunt. He also studied with well-known First Nations traditional artist Larry Rosso. We've included a photo of Tom Whonnock creating one of his carvings. 

Tom Whonnock used deep carving techniques typical of the Kwakwaka'wakw culture to create this authentic NW Coast plaque. The thunderbird is one of his ancestral crests; it is the ruler of the sky and the protector of humanity. Carved in the traditional formline style, the dramatic, strong colors of green, red and black are outlined in the natural color of the pine. 

The plaque measures 11.75 inches tall and 5.5 inches at the widest points. There is a leather loop hanger on the back, which is hand signed 'T. Whonnock Alert Bay BC Namgis first Nations Thunder Bird.' The plaque is in excellent condition, 

☆ The ʼNamgis First Nation is a self-governing Indigenous band on northern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada that belongs to the Kwakwakaʼwakw cultural group.

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