HEILTSUK ARTIST

This pair of paddles dates to the latter part of the 19th century and offers excellent examples of Heiltsuk Nation art being produced at that time in Old Bella Bella. Each paddle has been carefully carved and features t-shape grips, beautifully tapered shafts, and thin blades that end in pointed tips. Such aesthetic qualities confirm that these two pieces are not utilitarian in nature and stem from more elaborate ceremonial type paddles often used by high ranking Indigenous officials.

The black and red painted areas on both sides of each paddle are identical and feature the head of a killer whale on the blade rendered in traditional Northwest Coast formline design, followed by a circular blow hole and a dorsal fin that extend from the throat along the shaft. Cross hatching and parallel lines complete the marine mammal design that reaches to the grip. Heiltsuk artists have been creating such magnificent graphic and sculpted works for thousands of years and other prominent ceremonial and trade items include ladles, bowls, bentwood chests, and seats. A number of highly respected artists emerged from the Old Bella Bella community in the late nineteenth century including: Chief Robert Bell (1859-1904), Enoch (d.1904), Captain Carpenter (1841-1931), General Dick (1822-1902), and Daniel Houstie (1880-1912).

During the latter part of the twentieth century, the Heiltsuk played a crucial role in the revival of ocean-going cedar canoes through their participation in water bound journeys to Expo 86 in Vancouver and the Paddle to Seattle in 1989. Currently, New Bella Bella or Waglisla has a population of 1,400 and is the largest community on the Central Coast of BC north of Queen Charlotte Strait.

Pair of Paddles

Late 19th century, wood painted with black and red pigments

54 x 4 9/10 in, 137.2 x 12.4 cm

Value $12,000

Anonymous Donor

Lot #16