Bear Effigy Board w/ Iridescent Clam Shell Inlay | Pacific Northwest Tsimshian Style | Hand Carved Hand Painted Reproduction | Museum Source$575.00
Bear Effigy Board w/ Iridescent Clam Shell Inlay | Pacific Northwest Tsimshian Style | Hand Carved Hand Painted Reproduction | Museum Source
Bear Effigy Board with Iridescent Clam Shell Inlay | Pacific Northwest Tsimshian Style | Hand Carved & Hand Painted Museum Reproduction
This Bear Effigy Board is a meticulously hand-carved and hand-painted reproduction inspired by a circa 1880 museum piece, believed to originate from the Tsimshian tribe of the Pacific Northwest. The original artifact, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York, was created as a headdress frontlet and is approximately half the size of this replica.
Our contemporary version is crafted with sustainable freshwater clam shell inlay, designed to replicate the appearance of the abalone shell traditionally used by Pacific Northwest Indigenous artists. This environmentally conscious choice helps protect marine ecosystems while maintaining the visual beauty of the original materials.
🌿 Symbolism & Cultural Significance:
The bear is a revered spirit animal in Pacific Northwest tribal cultures, symbolizing strength, courage, vitality, family, and healing. Considered a medicine being, the bear is associated with resilience and magical powers, often featured in ceremonial regalia and sacred storytelling.
The inclusion of the salmon, another sacred symbol, represents abundance, nourishment, and prosperity—a vital element of survival and ceremony among coastal First Nations communities.
🛠 Product Details:
Medium: Hand-carved wood, hand-painted, freshwater clam shell inlay
Dimensions: Approx. 16″ L x 12″ W x 4″ D
Style: Inspired by Tsimshian tribal art, Pacific Northwest Coast traditions
Note: This is a museum-quality reproduction, not made by a tribal member
Finish: Each piece is individually crafted and may display slight variations in color, wood grain, and surface texture to reflect age and authenticity
🌎 Sustainability:
This reproduction uses non-harvested freshwater clam shells that wash up naturally along lakeshores—an eco-friendly alternative to traditional abalone. This protects wild abalone populations while honoring the aesthetic and cultural significance of inlaid shell art.
$575.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
All our pieces are designed by us and hand-carved by master artisans in Bali, Indonesia, using sustainable plantation or reclaimed wood.
Our designs are inspired by Pacific Coast Native art traditions but are not tribal artifacts. They are original, respectful reproductions and interpretations, carved by Balinese artisans.
We do not accept custom commissions.. We do offer wholesale pricing for galleries, museums, and retailers. To unlock the link to our wholesale page, please reach out via email – rona@images76.com.
Most orders are shipped within 3–5 business days. Domestic shipping within the U.S. typically takes 5–10 days, while international shipping times may vary.
Absolutely. We use only plantation-grown or reclaimed wood, ensuring that our carvings are eco-conscious and forest-friendly.
Keep your piece out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. A light dusting or occasional wood-safe polish will help preserve its beauty.
Keep your piece out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. A light dusting or occasional wood-safe polish will help preserve its beauty. If you’ve chosen a mask with horse hair or goat hair, and the hair has compressed in shipping, simply comb the hair. in extreme cases, use hairspray and a comb to restore the shape of the hair.