Rattle depicting Killer Whale with Raven Fins by Len Joseph, Kwakwaka'wakw

Rattle depicting Killer Whale with Raven Fins and Articulated Tail
by Leonard "Len" Joseph, Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation
8" high x 15.5" wide x 5" deep
red cedar, horse hair, river rock, pigment

Special Feature: The tail of the Killer Whale is articulated and moves up and down. This piece has a custom made metal stand included.

Raven Finned Killer Whale comes from a Northwest Coast legend in which Raven was swallowed whole by a Killer Whale, and to escape, he ate himself out through the fin of the whale.

Leonard Joseph was born in Village Island, British Columbia, Canada. Leonard is considered a keeper of tradition, who started carving and painting in the 1940's. He lived a traditional lifestyle fishing, hunting, and participating in traditional ceremonies and Potlatch. 

It was important to Leonard to pass on his skills to his children. His son Jimmy Joseph is an accomplished carver, and learned by filling in the inner designs after his father set the outline of a design for him.