Neil Baker - Monumental Signed Coast Salish Squami

Updated September 18, 2026

An exceptional and highly collectible monumental hand-carved and hand-painted cedar wall plaque by acclaimed Squamish Nation artist Neil Baker, depicting one of the most revered and enduring symbols of Northwest Coast Indigenous culture - the Salmon. Measuring an impressive 27 x 7 1/2 inches, this commanding work embodies the refined balance of traditional Coast Salish design, contemporary master craftsmanship, and timeless cultural storytelling that has made Baker's carvings sought after by discerning collectors of Indigenous Canadian art throughout North America.<br><br>Executed from a single piece of cedar, the sculpture is masterfully carved in elegant low relief with remarkable precision and confidence. The elongated body is articulated through rhythmic, flowing formline-inspired carving that creates extraordinary visual movement from the radiating fan-shaped tail to the expressive, boldly rendered head. Rich matte black, brilliant red, crisp white, and natural cedar tones create a striking contrast that highlights both the sculptural quality of the carving and the warmth of the wood itself. Every carved line demonstrates careful control, while the exposed cedar grain enhances the organic beauty and authenticity of the piece.<br><br>Within Coast Salish tradition, the salmon is among the most sacred and culturally significant beings, symbolizing life, renewal, prosperity, generosity, resilience, and the perpetual relationship between people and the rivers and oceans that sustain them. As one of the foundational images of Northwest Coast Indigenous visual culture, salmon carvings are highly prized by collectors for both their artistic strength and profound cultural meaning. Baker's interpretation successfully merges traditional iconography with his own refined contemporary aesthetic, resulting in a work that is equally compelling as fine art, ethnographic sculpture, and architectural wall display.<br><br>Neil Baker has established an excellent reputation for producing finely carved cedar works that celebrate the artistic heritage of the Squamish Nation while remaining immediately recognizable to collectors of Coast Salish, Northwest Coast, and First Nations art. Large-scale examples of this caliber are encountered far less frequently than his smaller carvings, making this an especially desirable opportunity for collectors seeking a statement-quality work suitable for museum-caliber collections, important private collections, galleries, luxury residences, or corporate installations.<br><br>The reverse is signed by the artist and titled "Salmon," further confirming authenticity and adding to its collector appeal. Works that are both signed and individually titled are particularly desirable, reinforcing the unique nature of each carving.<br><br>The carving presents in excellent overall condition, exhibiting crisp carving throughout, vibrant original painted decoration, and an outstanding display presence. No damage, repairs, or losses. The cedar

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