Northwest Coast Native Spyhopping Orca Sculpture Rod Smith
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:4330921 | Country/Region of Manufacture: Canada |
| Provenance: Ownership History Available | Artisan: Rod Smith |
| Tribal Affiliation: Kwakuitl |
Whales and dolphins occasionally hold their heads out of the water in order to visually inspect the environment above the water line. Many species of whales and dolphins are known to engage in spyhopping. Perhaps the most prolific spy-hoppers are orca and humpback whales; two species who receive quite a bit of attention from the tourist industry. Spy-hopping behavior consist of the cetacean holding itself vertically in the water and kicking with its tail fluke in order to hold its head... above the water line. Some individuals are able to keep this up for minutes at a time. It is quite similar to treading water for a human, although likely somewhat more difficult for cetaceans because they are less buoyant.
This adorable, hand-painted "Spyhopping Orca" sculpture has been created by First Nations artist Rod Smith. Made from Basswood, this piece measures approximately 7.5" x 11" x 7". Please note that this item is handmade and made-to-order, and that your item will look slightly different from the image depicted in this listing. Each sculpture is original and unique, and orders take 4-6 weeks.
Rod Smith (Galuyagmi “Great First Birth”) was taught by his father, late Kwakwaka'wakw artist Harris Smith (Lalkawilas). He often works in basswood, red and yellow cedar, arbutus, and maple. Rod is perhaps best known for his precise and elegant painting style. His pieces include sculptures, masks, poles, original paintings, plates, vessels, bowls, and bentwood boxes. In 2002, Rod completed an 8-foot pole in collaboration with his father and his brother, Kwakwaka'wakw artist Steve Smith, and they finished the pole here at Lattimer Gallery. In 2005, Rod was featured in the Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2 exhibition that opened at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, NY.
The Killerwhale, also known as the Orca, is a primary crest within many Northwest Coast Native cultures. The Killerwhale can also be found along the west coast of North America throughout the year. Killerwhale clans connect themselves to the sea, where their ancestors are said to have once lived at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. There are many legends that tell of Killerwhales tipping canoes and bringing the occupants to their villages at the bottom of the ocean, and of whales guiding people to safety when they are caught on the water. All along the coast, fishers and hunters often apply Killerwhale designs to their canoes and paraphernalia. These depictions often include human elements, such as a human face in the blowhole or tail flukes. The human elements within these depictions may represent the artist, the artist’s connection to their clan, or an image of transformation. Generally, Killerwhales symbolize longevity, communication and strength within Northwest Coast art and culture.
"Rod Smith killerwhale", "Rod Smith sculptures", "Rod Smith native", "Rod Smith seal", "Spirit Gallery Horseshoe Bay"
This adorable, hand-painted "Spyhopping Orca" sculpture has been created by First Nations artist Rod Smith. Made from Basswood, this piece measures approximately 7.5" x 11" x 7". Please note that this item is handmade and made-to-order, and that your item will look slightly different from the image depicted in this listing. Each sculpture is original and unique, and orders take 4-6 weeks.
Rod Smith (Galuyagmi “Great First Birth”) was taught by his father, late Kwakwaka'wakw artist Harris Smith (Lalkawilas). He often works in basswood, red and yellow cedar, arbutus, and maple. Rod is perhaps best known for his precise and elegant painting style. His pieces include sculptures, masks, poles, original paintings, plates, vessels, bowls, and bentwood boxes. In 2002, Rod completed an 8-foot pole in collaboration with his father and his brother, Kwakwaka'wakw artist Steve Smith, and they finished the pole here at Lattimer Gallery. In 2005, Rod was featured in the Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2 exhibition that opened at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, NY.
The Killerwhale, also known as the Orca, is a primary crest within many Northwest Coast Native cultures. The Killerwhale can also be found along the west coast of North America throughout the year. Killerwhale clans connect themselves to the sea, where their ancestors are said to have once lived at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. There are many legends that tell of Killerwhales tipping canoes and bringing the occupants to their villages at the bottom of the ocean, and of whales guiding people to safety when they are caught on the water. All along the coast, fishers and hunters often apply Killerwhale designs to their canoes and paraphernalia. These depictions often include human elements, such as a human face in the blowhole or tail flukes. The human elements within these depictions may represent the artist, the artist’s connection to their clan, or an image of transformation. Generally, Killerwhales symbolize longevity, communication and strength within Northwest Coast art and culture.
"Rod Smith killerwhale", "Rod Smith sculptures", "Rod Smith native", "Rod Smith seal", "Spirit Gallery Horseshoe Bay"
