Orca Pendant, Pewter and Silver

Tsimshian native artist Bill Helin enjoys a very rewarding career as a creative gold engraver, painter, woodcarver, and book illustrator. His ancestry is from the Gits'iis tribe in the village of Lax Kw'alaams, British Columbia. He loves to paint mythological images to educate people on the history of the Tsimshian nation and the many stories passed down through his ancestors. His greatest passion however is to spiritually represent and bond individuals together through the use of native Life Crest symbols. The art of Bill Helin is reproduced in collaboration with the artist and royalties are paid to the artist on each item sold.

Whales, a common motif in the art of the Northwest Coast peoples, were the subject of countless stories and legends. One story held that a whale could capture a canoe and drag it and the people aboard down to an underwater Village of the Whales. These people were then transformed into whales themselves. The Haida believed that whales seen near villages were these drowned people trying to communicate with the villagers. A Tlingit legend tells that the first orcas (killer whales) were carved from yellow cedar and sent into the ocean with instructions to be friendly towards people. The killer whales guide the Indians towards fish and are helpful except when they are treated discourteously.

This pendant is made from an alloy of pewter with just a touch of silver. The pewter is lighter than sterling silver, resulting in a light weight that is comfortable to wear. The touch of silver adds luster. The jewelry is made in Canada by Boma.