David Neel Alder Mythical Orca Sculpture Northwest Native Art

Description

David Neel engraves jewelry, has published books of his photography, and creates limited edition silkscreen prints...but he is arguably best known for his carving. This piece dates from circa 1990 and is titled 'Shaman Riding Mythical Killerwhale'. It has been carved in Alder and measures 23 inches by 16 inches by 7 inches. It is signed on the bottom.
While this piece represents healing and the way in which shamans and Indigenous healers can travel through the spirit realm, it can also be interpreted as a version of the "whale rider" myth found throughout the Northwest and New Zealand:
It has been said there was a man, Gunarah (also known as Nanasimgit), in a seaside village who was the best at hunting and fishing.  All the fathers wanted him to marry their daughters; but he went off to sea and returned with a wife who was the prettiest girl the villagers had ever seen. Over the years Gunarah cautioned his wife many times not to go near the waters edge.  However, after some years she decided to wash a sea otter pelt in the water. As she was washing the otter pelt a Killerwhale suddenly rose from under the sea. He lifted her onto his dorsal fin and carried her away under the water, to live for the rest of her life. Gunarah was distraught, crying and calling from the seashore for many days and nights. On one of these days a Killerwhale passed by and heard his cries. The whale came closer and told Gunarah that he would help him find his wife. Together, they searched the bottom of the sea and finally found a gigantic copper house belonging to the Killerwhale Chief. They waited until all was quiet, before entering and rescuing Gunarah’s wife. And the good Killerwhale carried them both safely to shore on his dorsal fin.
David Neel's crests are Thunderbird and Killerwhale. He comes from a family that is rich in history and artistic skill. His father is Dave Neel Sr., his great uncle is acclaimed artist Mungo Martin, his great-great-great grandfather is Charlie James, and his grandmother is renowned artist Ellen Neel. His widely exhibited work includes jewellery, masks, drums, poles, original paintings, limited edition prints, glass etching, regalia, and photos appearing in several magazines. David's formal training in Fine Arts was at the University of Kansas and at Mount Royal College, Alberta. Following a career as a professional photographer in Texas, David returned to Canada in the early 1990s, and conceived two important projects: one documenting works and images of First Nations elders, and the other promoting the revival of the Northwest Coast great dugout canoe. David's talents are diverse, and he is dedicated to promoting and preserving his Kwakwaka'wakw heritage.
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