Native American, Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Canada, Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw) people, ca. mid-20th century CE. Signed "GR." A skillfully hand-carved wood letter opener presenting a lengthy blade and handle in the form of an orca whale. The slender blade tapers to a sharp point and flares at its base, as a raised ridge travels vertically down its center axis. The impressive handle displays a large dorsal fin, rectangular pectoral fins, annular eyes, a triangular nose, a huge mouth with bared teeth, and a thick, tubular tail that curves upwards over its body to form a hook. The top of the animal's tail is incised with a minimalist, anthropomorphic visage. Size: 12" L x 1.675" W (30.5 cm x 4.3 cm)

According to Kwakiutl legend, orcas (also killer whales) were the physical manifestations of the souls of open-water marine hunters who perished or were lost at sea, and this belief is the aquatic parallel to a similar Kwakiutl notion that the souls of forest hunters achieve corporeal materiality as wolves. The Kwakiutl were not of the belief that this was a positive or a negative result of one's soul; however, there were a myriad of symbolically significant rituals that would ensure that the soul of the whale would once again manifest itself in its original anthropomorphic form.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#141764

Signed "GR" on underside of orca. Slight surface wear to tip of blade, commensurate with use. Otherwise, intact and excellent.