Neil Baker “Salmon Raven Paddle” - Monumental Hand

Updated September 18, 2026

A superb and architecturally scaled hand-carved and painted cedar paddle by acclaimed Squamish Nation artist Neil Baker, titled “Salmon Raven Paddle.” Masterfully executed in the timeless visual language of the Northwest Coast, this exceptional work unites two of the most powerful and culturally significant crest beings of Indigenous art - Raven and Salmon - into a striking ceremonial-inspired composition that immediately commands attention. Combining sculptural precision, bold traditional formline design, vibrant polychrome decoration and beautifully figured natural cedar, this is an outstanding collector-quality example of contemporary First Nations carving suitable for museum, gallery or premier private collection display.<br><br>Carved from a single plank of cedar, the paddle demonstrates Baker's confident understanding of traditional Northwest Coast design principles while maintaining a distinctly contemporary artistic voice. The upper shaft is dominated by a commanding Raven, its elongated crimson beak, finely incised facial elements and brilliant blue ovoid eye creating an unmistakable visual focal point. The lower blade transitions seamlessly into a boldly rendered Salmon, an enduring symbol of abundance, renewal, prosperity and the interconnected relationship between people and the natural world throughout the Pacific Northwest. The elegant integration of these two iconic beings transforms the paddle into a powerful visual narrative celebrating cultural tradition, ancestral knowledge and the enduring importance of the coastal environment.<br><br>The carving displays crisp, deeply defined relief work throughout, with finely executed formline contours, graceful flowing curves and meticulously incised detailing. Rich black framing elements dramatically enhance the vivid red, blue and white pigments while allowing the warm grain of the cedar to remain an integral component of the composition. The exposed wood creates exceptional depth and movement, giving the sculpture remarkable dimensionality and emphasizing the artist's masterful balance between carved surface, painted design and natural material. Every element of the composition has been carefully resolved, producing a work that possesses tremendous presence whether viewed from across a gallery or at close range.<br><br>At an impressive 35 1/2 inches in length, this monumental paddle possesses the scale and visual authority sought by serious collectors of Northwest Coast Indigenous art. Large signed examples of this quality provide exceptional wall presence while remaining highly versatile for residential, corporate or institutional collections. Neil Baker's carved paddles have become increasingly recognized for their bold execution, authentic Indigenous design vocabulary and outstanding decorative impact, making desirable signed examples particularly appealing within today's market for contemporary First Nations art.<br><br>Signed and titled au verso. Dimensions: 35 1/2 x 7 inches. Cond

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