Bear - Six Nations Soapstone Carving

Artist: Todd Longboat

Nation: Onondaga

Clan: Wolf

Number: 2020-1

Dimensions: 5.5"L X 2"W X 3.5"H  (approximately)

This carving is signed by Longboat. It comes with the Iroqrafts Tag of Authenticity. The Iroquois are a matrilineal society, meaning Clan and Nation ties are passed through the mother to her children. The Longboats are one of the prominent families of carvers of the Onondaga Nation. 

The bear is a healer and a giver of good medicine, protector and symbolizes physical strength and leadership, learned humility, teaching. A bear is one off the most prevalent figures in crest and shamanic art, as well as in myths. It is a close relation of humankind, perhaps because of physical characteristics such as size, appearance, expression, and behaviours such as standing on two hind legs, gathering plants and berries, fishing and nurturing young. Bears are a well-respected member of their communities.