Artwork copyright Frank Fulmer. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Killer Whale Paddle, 2000

Frank Fulmer
American Tlingit (born 1953)

Location: Elger Bay Elementary, Camano Island

About the Artwork

Tlingit artist Frank Fulmer's Killer Whale Paddle is carved and painted in the traditional, abstract, formline design of Indigenous Northwest Coast art. Both the dorsal fin and tail are shown folded over towards the center of the paddle blade. Fulmer notes, "The Killer Whale is a clan symbol among the Northwest Coastal Tribes. The Tlingit word for Killer Whale is 'keet,' and they are considered to be the wolf of the sea. This highly respected creature occurs in many stories that have been passed down from generation to generation." This paddle is carved out of redcedar wood which is considered the "tree of life" by Northwest Coast Tribes. 

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Stanwood-Camano School District.

About the Artist

Artist and master carver Frank Fulmer (Tlingit) creates traditional Hieroglyphic Art of the Pacific Northwest Coast. He believes that "it is his destiny help bring honor and glory to his ancestors through his art work." He is of Tlingit (Native Alaskan) heritage.