Double Sided Raven and Sea Serpent Paddle

Regular price $4,900.00 CAD

This beautiful hand-carved yellow cedar Paddle is by Cree and adopted Nuu-chah-nulth artist Joshua Prescott. This paddle is deeply carved on both sides with two elaborate designs featuring Nuu-chah-nulth aesthetic elements inspired by the beauty of the natural world and Joshua's encounters with the animals, creatures, and beings within it. 

Joshua writes:

"The inspiration for this paddle came from nature, all the beautiful creatures, colors, patterns, and the images. My children's great, great grandparents have had an enormous impact on me, thus my artwork. I remember Stanley and Sidney teaching me their language and talking about art. They would tell me things, our art tells stories. This I believe was when I started using more creatures, multiple creatures. It is fun designing, making all the animals fit together in a way that flows and fills the space. I do double-sided paddles so that I am using the space on both sides to practice and grow. I have seen old paddles with both sides adorned. Design is a language. I believe we are physical beings. We are always receiving and giving off energy. Energy is a language, energy never lies. Art is spiritual.

Looking back on these pieces I can recognize my own growth as an artist. For the past ten years, I have been learning to speak my children's language nuuchahnulth; I consider it my language now. The elders I have worked with over the years always accepted me. They say ours instead of mine. I have been learning to tell what we call himwica stories. These are stories that teach and grow the mind. For the past four years, I have desired to connect my artwork with storytelling. I am now able to tell stories in nuchahnulth. This is the direction of my life now to become as fluent in nuchahnulth as I can and to pass on what I know before I die. People see art work, but there is much more. To share a piece of nuuchahnulth wisdom hishukish cawaak 'everything is one, everything is interconnected'." 

One side features a Sisiutl or Sea Serpent design in red and black acrylic and has 9 abalone inlays. The other side features a Raven design in red, teal, and black acrylic and has 10 abalone inlays. This paddle is about 60.5 inches or 5 feet in length.

 

Unless otherwise indicated above, the price for this item includes shipping to Canada and the continental USA. Please email us at info@spiritsofthewestcoast.com for a quote to have the item shipped outside continental North America.

How to Hang a Paddle

Paddles can be hung vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, depending on your space and preference.

Vertical hanging: In the gallery, we tie a black cotton string around the neck of the paddle, just below the handle, and hang it from a rubber-coated hook to protect the back of the handle. The handle is positioned at the top, with the tip pointing down.

Horizontal or angled hanging: A paddle can be suspended from the wall or ceiling using clear fishing line. Simply loop two lengths of fishing line around the paddle, one near each end, to hold it securely in place.

Wall-mounted holder: Some museums use a custom-made holder lined with felt to hold the paddle securely against the wall. A metal fabricator can make a holder to suit your preferred orientation. This is not a service we offer.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@spiritsofthewestcoast.com.

Shipping Information

Where Do We Ship?

We ship worldwide.

Free shipping is available on most items within Canada and the continental United States.

Shipping Times

Shipping times listed below are estimates for items that are currently in stock.

Delivery times do not include customs delays or unforeseen circumstances that are outside of our control, and may be longer for remote locations. 
All delivery estimates are approximate and not guaranteed.

If you have a specific delivery deadline, please contact us by phone or email before placing your order so we can confirm item availability and discuss shipping options.

Regular Shipping

Our standard shipping option includes tracking and insurance, and is free on most items within Canada and the continental United States. We work with several different shipping companies and couriers, selecting the best option based on the item ordered, its size, the delivery destination, and other factors.

Estimated standard delivery times are:

  • Canada: 2—9 business days
  • United States: 5—12 business days
  • Europe: 6—35 business days
  • Other international destinations: 6—35 business days

Express and Alternative Shipping Options

If you require faster delivery, courier service, or a different shipping option, please contact us for a custom shipping quote.

Estimated delivery times for expedited services are:

Priority™ Worldwide:

  • United States: 2—3 business days
  • Europe: 3—5 business days
  • Other international destinations: 4—6 business days

International Parcel Surface:

  • Up to 7 weeks

Production Time

Custom orders, made-to-order items, or pieces that are not currently in stock will require additional production time. Production time varies widely depending on the artist and complexity of the item ordered. Please contact us for an estimate of production time.

International Duties, Taxes, and Customs

International shipments may be subject to customs processing, import duties, taxes, brokerage fees, or other charges imposed by the destination country, depending on the type of item, declared value, and the customs regulations of the destination country.

The declared value of each shipment is determined in accordance with customs regulations.

As the buyer, please be aware of possible:

  • Delays due to customs inspections
  • Import duties and taxes
  • Brokerage or handling fees payable upon delivery.

For more information, please contact your country's customs office.

United States Orders

As of September 2026, newly implemented U.S. tariffs have been incorporated into our USD pricing. Our U.S. prices include prepaid duties and tariffs (DDP — Delivery Duty Paid).