Salmon Earrings

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.

Salmon was a major food source for all the Northwest Coast peoples, and therefore a major part of their cultures. Salmon is a symbol of determination, intuition and dependability. Some indigenous communities believed salmon to be one of the greatest gifts from the Creator, and would honor salmon in ceremonies and rituals.

According to Tsimshian legend, salmon were originally salmon people living in 5 villages. These five species of salmon represented the 5 villages -- Iyai (spring salmon), Mesaw (sockeye), Werh (coho), Stemawn (pink), and Qanees (dog salmon). In early spring, they changed into their fish form and started on their journey, but each group at different times.

These earrings are 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.