• Materials: Sterling Silver
• Measurements: 1 3/8" X 1 3/8" / 35mm X 35mm
• Artists: Art Sterritt
• Totem Symbols: Thunderbird
• Styles: Canadian First Nations
• Categories: Pendants

Thunderbird

The Thunderbird represents protection, power, and strength. He is considered the strongest of the totem animals, possessing supernatural power and credited with creating storms. When he blinks, lighting comes out of his eyes, and when he flaps his wings, thunder roars. He hunts and eats whales by using the two lightning snakes kept under his wings.

Art Sterritt

Art Sterritt, a Master Carver of wood and jewelry, was born in 1948, in Hazelton BC. He trained at the ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum near the ancient village of Gitanmaax, home of the Gitxsan peoples for over 8000 years. It was there he attended courses between 1970 and 1972, learning wood carving, print making and jewelry design from esteemed artists including Walter Harris and Earl Muldoe.

His totem poles can be found in the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, ON, the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, QC and even at the private residence of the former Prime Minister Paul Martin. Art’s work can also be found here in Vancouver. He is one of the carvers of the K’san Doors at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) and he has had his poles displayed in both the MOA and the Vancouver Convention Center. While being a world renowned carver Art has also perfected his skills in metal smithing and creates unique works of fine art in silver and gold jewelry.

In recent years Art has accepted a position as the Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations Organization and has involved himself in politics. He currently lives in Prince Rupert BC, and continues to be actively involved in his community creating totem poles, ceremonial attire, masks and other regalia for the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en peoples, perpetuating his culture and history.