Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Thunderbird Saves Wolf, 2004

Andrea Wilbur-Sigo
(American | Squaxin Island | Skokomish, born 1975)

Location: The Evergreen State College, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

This hand-carved bentwood box Thunderbird Saves Wolf by Andrea Wilbur-Sigo (Squaxin Island and Skokomish) tells a moral story about not letting fish go to waste. Andrea created this box design after she was geoduck diving, and watched how the sea creatures moved and interacted. In this piece you will find Octopus, Salmon, Eel, Thunderbird, and Seawolf.

One day, Wolf told his cousin Thunderbird that his family was starving. Wolf offered to pay Thunderbird to find out what was keeping the fish from coming up the river. Thunderbird flew over the mouth of the river, and he saw different sea creatures chasing the fish out of the river. Thunderbird started flapping his wings hard, creating loud noises and bright flashes of light that scared the sea creatures away and let the fish return. When Wolf saw the fish in the river, he went to repay Thunderbird, who only said, "Make sure that the fish will never go to waste. Because if they do, one day there won't be any fish for anyone to eat!” You will still see and hear Thunderbird creating thunder and lightning to make sure that the fish can return to the river, reminding the People of the promise Wolf made.

Bentwood boxes are made from a single piece of cedar that is notched at three corners, and steamed and formed into the four-sided box shape. Wooden pegs hold the box together at the fourth corner. They were historically used by Indigenous people of the Northwest to store food, blankets, and other objects, and they continue to be used today. They can also used for cooking: they can be filled with water and hot stones to heat the water.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with The Evergreen State College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest carver and artist Andrea Wilbur-Sigo (Squaxin Island and Skokomish) has mastered Coast Salish art forms. She is the first known Native American woman carver of many generations of carvers. She also creates beadwork, button blankets, and baskets.

Andrea Wilbur-Sigo is an active member of the Squaxin Island Tribe (based around Shelton, Western Washington). Her artworks reflects her heritage and its strong artistic community. She serves her tribe as a member of the education committee and board member of the Tribal Museum. She teaches Coast Salish art classes to children and adults.