Jerett Humpherville

Wings Over Water (Original Art)

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Hand Carved Yellow Cedar
61" x 7" / 154.94cm x 17.78cm
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Description of the Paddle:

This paddle is carved and painted in traditional Northwest Coast form from yellow cedar, a wood native to the coastal regions of British Columbia. Typically found at higher altitudes, yellow cedar has long been held in high regard by the peoples of the Northwest Coast for its beauty, workability, and unique resistance to weather. The wood selected for this piece was chosen for its exceptionally tight growth rings and rich color, and it has been carefully prepared through a natural drying process.

An eagle design adorns both the blade and handle. Bald eagles spend much of their lives travelling over the water, dipping in and out as they fish for prey—much like a paddle gliding through the air before dipping into the water.

The Design:

On the blade, the eagle’s head and open, calling beak face toward the tip, while a single claw is tucked directly behind the jaw. The eagle’s body flows along the paddle toward the handle, culminating in the tail, represented by an Ovoid and two U-form feathers. Within the body motif, additional design elements can be found, including a hand, symbolizing the paddler or handler of the paddle. Near the top of the handle, an added feather form is depicted, and within the Ovoid there, a smaller eagle face is abstractly rendered.