Thitikorn Chansasitorn
tchansasitorn@zagmail.gonzaga.edu
"Thunderbird Totem"
Henderson, Junior, “Thunderbird Totem”, Kwakwaka'wakw, red cedar, painted in black, red, green and yellow acrylic (Spirits of the West Coast Gallery)
The Thunderbird is said to create thunder by flapping its wings, and lightning by flashing its eyes. In Northwest Coast cultures, they are generally depicted as birds of prey, or hybrids of humans and birds. Thunderbirds are often viewed as protectors, sometimes intervening on people's behalf, but expecting veneration, prayers, and gifts. He is often seen as the most powerful of all spirits and can also transform into human form by opening his head up like a mask and taking his feathers off as if they were a mere blanket. This totem has an orca crest, which we have talked about earlier. Near bottom of the box contains the Sisiutl or three-headed sea serpent. They are known to posses shapeshifting ability and the ability to turn spectators into stone when looked. They symbolize protection, supernatural power and revival–the most powerful symbols in Kwakwaka'wakw culture.
(Sources: Thunderbird)