( SOLD ) Wolf Paddle
Cecil Dawson Wolf Paddle
NOS Beautiful, original and signed 32 inches long by 4 3/4 inch wide by 3/4 inch deep cedar wood carved paddle with his depiction of ''Wolf'' in the style of the Kwakuitl nation .
This beautiful approx. late 80's cedar wood paddle is signed by Cecil Dawson.
Cecil only ever makes one of a kind pieces and never makes the same one twice.
The Wolf symbolizes education, understanding and intelligence. He is the most accomplished hunter in the animal kingdom, yet very social and communicative.
The Wolf crest is a result of an ancestor who visited the houses of the wolves where he was taught certain songs and dances. Upon returning home, he discovered that he had been away for four years, although he thought it had only been four days. He found that he was possessed by the spirits of the Wolves. In ceremonies, the Wolf dance.
Wood Carver, Painter, First Nations, Pryrographic Woodburner
Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada • Kwakuitl Nation
Born into a family of artists, Cecil Dawson began his artistic career at a very young age. His grandfather Jimmy Dick, a totem and mask carver, taught Cecil the intricacies of carving. Cecil also spent time under the tutelage of his cousin, mask carver Simon Dick. Other masters who influenced Cecil's artistic gifts were his great uncles Willie Seaweed, Henry Speck, and Dick Hawkins.
Cecil is from the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation. His father is head chief of the Mountain Goat Hunter clan and his mother comes from the Wolf clan. Cecil's cultural involvement is important to him; he is a historian and an initiated Hamatsa dancer.
Cecil's great labour of love is to replicate his family's masks and bring them back into ceremonial use once again. By doing so, he honours his cultural and traditional values. Cecil has a strong sense of propriety and will not copy from a book. His pieces are unique and to his own style, demonstrating a deeply rooted understanding of his culture.