Oceans of Wealth Limited Edition Print
"Oceans of Wealth" is a limited edition giclée print by K’omoks artist Andy Everson with a primary edition of 25, bearing the numbers 1/25 through 25/25. It was released in June 2011.
The print for sale does not include a frame and does not have the Andy Everson watermark.
You can often see these robes in movement in our Big Houses. They are garments meant to be worn and meant to be used. Covered with appliqué, buttons and beads to show the crests of the wearer, they are meant to tell a story and are meant to tell where a person is from. As the dancers move, they flow like waves upon an ocean of wealth.
My ancestry is mixed and I make no effort to neither hide nor deny it--it is part of who I am. My genetic makeup largely comes from England, from Norway, from the Pentlatch and from the Kwaguł and the ‘Na̱mg̱is of the Kwakwaka’wakw. Some of my ancestors fought in the War of the Roses, the War of Independence and the American Civil War. Some were literally Kings and Queens of England, while many many more were peasants trying to find a way to survive. Many were nobility amongst our people here and some were even slaves. I have a very rich history and as I think back in time, my mind becomes lost in these oceans of wealth.
When the first Europeans set foot on these territories, they were confronted with a rich and complex economic system centered on the potlatch. Interest-bearing loans were a regular and frequent activity amongst my ancestors. Shield-like items--called “t̕łaḵwa”--made from native copper were used to build up wealth. The “copper” was composed of three main parts: the “u’gwa̱mi” (upper part or face), the ”ga’lasi” (crosspiece, backbone or T) and the “uxsti” (lower sides or ribs). When a chief wished to insult his rivals, he would break a corner off his copper and present the broken segment to his enemy. The onus would be on the rival to return a piece of equal or greater value in order to save face. Coppers used in many quarrels would only have the T-shaped backbone remaining to represent its role in the oceans of wealth.
The copper-clad hulls of the large European vessels looked quite attractive to the people of the Northwest Coast. Large sheets could be easily attained through trade--eventually replacing native copper in the making of t̕łaḵwa. People from Spain, England, and “Boston” descended on this area with greater frequency in the pursuit of wealth. Looking for sea otter furs for the lucrative Chinese market, they were more than happy to trade just about anything to get it: woolen blankets, buttons, firearms and metals. As our people became more and more wealthy, potlatching became even more frequent and elaborate. Rivalries were created and coppers were broken--it was a heated and tumultuous time as my ancestors rode on these oceans of wealth.
In this piece, I pay tribute to the elaborate button blankets of my ancestors: the borders are very similar to my grandmother’s favourite “ḵ̓a̱ngex̱tola“ and the coppers in the central field pay homage to another that was in her box of treasures. Both are now in museums. It is no coincidence that the coppers get more and more broken as they get closer to the ship--there will always be waves when two opposing economies converge upon oceans of wealth.- Andy Everson
The acid-free Moab Entrada 100% cotton rag paper measures 17x22 inches or 43x56 centimeters. The image size measures about 14x20 inches or 35.5x50.8 centimeters.
If this item is sold out, please email us at info@spiritsofthewestcoast.com as we may be able to order another one for you.
What is the best way to find out your ring size?
The best way to determine your ring size is to visit a local jeweler and have your finger professionally sized. Be sure to tell them the width of the ring you are ordering, as wider rings fit more snugly. For tapered rings, use the width at the back of the ring when determining your size.
For the most accurate fit, have your finger sized with a ring sizer that is the same width as the ring you are ordering. For example, measuring with a ¼ inch wide sizer for a 3/8 inch wide ring may result in a size difference of approximately ¼ to ½.
Can a ring be resized?
If a ring is slightly too tight or too loose and has no settings, inlays, or onlays, it may sometimes be possible to stretch or dome it slightly to adjust the fit. This should be done by a jeweler and often only takes a few minutes.
For larger adjustments, a jeweler will need to resize the ring by cutting the ring and adding or removing a small amount of metal, then soldering it back together. Many of our rings include a sizing gap at the back for this purpose.
Because every ring is different, we recommend consulting a professional jeweler before deciding on any resizing method.
| Inside diameter | Inside circumference | Sizes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in) | (mm) | (in) | (mm) | USA & Canada | UK & Europe | Asia | Swiss |
| 0.554 | 14.07 | 1.74 | 44.2 | 3 | F | 4 | 4.25 |
| 0.562 | 14.27 | 1.77 | 44.8 | 3¼ | F½ | 5 | 4.75 |
| 0.57 | 14.48 | 1.79 | 45.5 | 3½ | G | 5.5 | |
| 0.578 | 14.68 | 1.82 | 46.1 | 3¾ | G½ | 6 | 6 |
| 0.586 | 14.88 | 1.84 | 46.8 | 4 | H | 7 | 6.75 |
| 0.594 | 15.09 | 1.87 | 47.4 | 4¼ | H½ | 7.5 | |
| 0.602 | 15.29 | 1.89 | 48 | 4½ | I | 8 | 8 |
| 0.61 | 15.49 | 1.92 | 48.7 | 4¾ | J | 8.75 | |
| 0.618 | 15.7 | 1.94 | 49.3 | 5 | J½ | 9 | 9.25 |
| 0.626 | 15.9 | 1.97 | 50 | 5¼ | K | 10 | |
| 0.634 | 16.1 | 1.99 | 50.6 | 5½ | K½ | 10 | 10.5 |
| 0.642 | 16.31 | 2.02 | 51.2 | 5¾ | L | 11.25 | |
| 0.65 | 16.51 | 2.04 | 51.9 | 6 | L½ | 11 | 11.75 |
| 0.658 | 16.71 | 2.07 | 52.5 | 6¼ | M | 12 | 12.5 |
| 0.666 | 16.92 | 2.09 | 53.1 | 6½ | M½ | 13 | 13.25 |
| 0..674 | 17.12 | 2.12 | 53.8 | 6¾ | N | 13.75 | |
| 0.682 | 17.32 | 2.14 | 54.4 | 7 | N½ | 14 | 14.5 |
| 0.69 | 17.53 | 2.17 | 55.1 | 7¼ | O | 15 | |
| 0.698 | 17.73 | 2.19 | 55.7 | 7½ | O½ | 15 | 15.75 |
| 0.706 | 17.93 | 2.22 | 56.3 | 7 | P | 16.25 | |
| 0.714 | 18.14 | 2.24 | 57 | 8 | P½ | 16 | 17 |
| 0.722 | 18.34 | 2.27 | 57.6 | 8¼ | Q | 17.5 | |
| 0.73 | 18.54 | 2.29 | 58.3 | 8½ | Q½ | 17 | 18.25 |
| 0.738 | 18.75 | 2.32 | 58.9 | 8¾ | R | 19 | |
| 0.746 | 18.95 | 2.34 | 59.5 | 9 | R½ | 18 | 19.5 |
| 0.754 | 19.15 | 2.37 | 60.2 | 9¼ | S | 20.25 | |
| 0.762 | 19.35 | 2.39 | 60.8 | 9½ | S½ | 19 | 20.75 |
| 0.77 | 19.56 | 2.42 | 61.4 | 9¾ | T | 21.5 | |
| 0.778 | 19.76 | 2.44 | 62.1 | 10 | T½ | 20 | 22 |
| 0.786 | 19.96 | 2.47 | 62.7 | 10¼ | U | 21 | 22.75 |
| 0.794 | 20.17 | 2.49 | 63.4 | 10½ | U½ | 22 | 23.25 |
| 0.802 | 20.37 | 2.52 | 64 | 10¾ | V | 24 | |
| 0.81 | 20.57 | 2.54 | 64.6 | 11 | V½ | 23 | 24.75 |
| 0.818 | 20.78 | 2.57 | 65.3 | 11¼ | W | 25.25 | |
| 0.826 | 20.98 | 2.59 | 65.9 | 11½ | W½ | 24 | 26 |
| 0.834 | 21.18 | 2.62 | 66.6 | 11¾ | X | 26.5 | |
| 0.842 | 21.39 | 2.65 | 67.2 | 12 | X½ | 25 | 27.25 |
| 0.85 | 21.59 | 2.67 | 67.8 | 12¼ | Y | 27.75 | |
| 0.858 | 21.79 | 2.7 | 68.5 | 12½ | Z | 26 | 28.5 |
| 0.866 | 22 | 2.72 | 69.1 | 12¾ | Z½ | 29 | |
| 0.874 | 22.2 | 2.75 | 69.7 | 13 | 27 | 29.75 | |
| 0.882 | 22.4 | 2.77 | 70.4 | 13¼ | Z1 | 30.5 | |
| 0.89 | 22.61 | 2.8 | 71 | 13½ | 31 | ||
| 0.898 | 22.81 | 2.82 | 71.7 | 13¾ | Z2 | 31.75 | |
| 0.906 | 23.01 | 2.85 | 72.3 | 14 | Z3 | 32.25 | |
| 0.914 | 23.22 | 2.87 | 72.9 | 14¼ | 33 | ||
| 0.922 | 23.42 | 2.9 | 73.6 | 14½ | Z4 | 33.5 | |
| 0.93 | 23.62 | 2.92 | 74.2 | 14¾ | 34.25 | ||
| 0.938 | 23.83 | 2.95 | 74.8 | 15 | 34.75 | ||
| 0.946 | 24.03 | 2.97 | 75.5 | 15¼ | 35.5 | ||
| 0.954 | 24.23 | 3 | 76.1 | 15½ | 36.25 | ||
| 0.962 | 24.43 | 3.02 | 76.8 | 15¾ | 36.75 | ||
| 0.97 | 24.64 | 3.05 | 77.4 | 16 | 37.5 | ||
Depending on your wrist size and how wide you prefer the gap to be, our bracelets will generally fit a wrist circumference ¼" (0.5 cm) smaller to ½" (1.3 cm) larger than the posted bracelet length.
Please note: These measurements are estimates, and we cannot guarantee a perfect fit. If you have any questions about sizing, please contact us, and we will be happy to help.
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.
Argillite is a dense, black, carbonaceous shale known as kwawhlahl in the Haida language. It is found exclusively at a creek on Slatechuck Mountain (Tllgaduu randlaay) on Graham Island, the largest island in the Haida Gwaii archipelago.
Once the stone is cut from the hillside, it must be backpacked down the mountain on foot before it is carved. Argillite carvings have been prized around the world since the 1800s when the Haida began selling pieces to sailors. Today, Haida carvers continue the tradition.
For those who wish to know more about this beautiful and unique sculptural tradition, Carol Sheehan's book 'Breathing Stone' is an excellent resource on contemporary Haida argillite carving and is available in the gallery.
Please note, argillite is a fragile stone. Avoid knocking argillite against hard or sharp surfaces as it can scratch or chip. If handled with care, argillite pieces will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Abalone is a marine snail belonging to the family Haliotidae. Its common name comes from the Spanish terms aulón or aulone. Abalone is a distinctive shell that has long been valued for its iridescent colour and beauty.
For many First Nations peoples of the Northwest Coast, abalone is a valued material with cultural and ceremonial significance. It is often used to create objects of prestige and status, such as chiefs’ headdresses, bracelets, and earrings. Abalone shell is also used for intricate inlay designs, which can carry symbolic meaning.
Traditionally, abalone was obtained through trade with other coastal groups or by harvesting it from the rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest. The collection of abalone was considered a sacred activity by Indigenous peoples of the region.
In addition to its ceremonial and spiritual significance, abalone had practical uses. The meat was an important food source, while the shell was used to make tools such as knives, hooks, and needles.
Today, abalone continues to be an important part of Pacific Northwest Coast culture. Many Indigenous artists continue to work with abalone in contemporary art and cultural revitalization efforts. Abalone art and artifacts are also highly valued by collectors and museums.
Overfishing and poaching have reduced wild abalone populations significantly. Farmed abalone now supplies much of the abalone used commercially and provides a more sustainable option.
Jewelry containing abalone should be removed when showering. Avoid contact with soaps and chemicals, including polish, as they can dull the appearance of abalone.
Shipping Information
We ship internationally!
Free shipping on most items within Canada and the U.S.
The Shipping times mentioned below are estimates for orders that we have in our inventory and are not guaranteed . Shipping to the USA or other international locations may be delayed due to national customs organizations. These delays are not included in the shipping estimates mentioned and are out of our control.
If you have a specific shipping / delivery deadline, please call or email us, to make sure we have the item that you would like to order in stock.
Custom orders or orders for items that we don’t have in our inventory, or don’t have the exact size in stock, will take longer. It usually takes 2 – 4 weeks depending on the individual item and artist, to have individual items carved. Custom orders may take somewhat longer.
International Shipping - items may be subject to customs processing depending on the item's declared value.
Sellers set the item's declared value and must comply with customs declaration laws.
As the buyer, you should be aware of possible:
- delays from customs inspection.
- import duties and taxes which buyers must pay.
- brokerage fees payable at the point of delivery.
Your country's customs office can offer more details.
Regular Shipping:
We usually use Canada Post services without tracking information for our regular shipping option. The delivery standards for surface/air shipping are usually 2 - 9 business days (Canada), 5 - 12 business days (USA), 6 - 35 business days (Europe) and 6-35 business days to the other continents. If your shipping address is remote, delivery times may increase. These delivery standards are estimates and are not guaranteed.
Canada Post International Parcel Surface or Priority Worldwide Express Shipments:
If you would like to find a faster priority / express shipping service, than the ones mentioned in the shopping cart, or if shipping times are less important than the cost, please contact us for a custom shipping quote. Delivery dates mentioned below are approximations that do not include delays due to International Customs or unforeseen circumstances. The delivery standards for Priority™ Worldwide( Usually through FedEx ) are usually 2-3 business days (USA), 3-5 business days (Europe) and 4-6 business days to the other continents. The delivery standards for International Parcel Surface can be up to 7 weeks. If your shipping address is remote, delivery times may increase. These delivery standards are estimates and are not guaranteed.
Canada Post shipping services with tracking numbers can be tracked at the following website: http://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/track/personal/findByTrackNumber?execution=e1s1