Prior to contact with Europeans and the introduction of metal tools, Northwest Coast artisans developed an ingenious wood working technique. This involves grooving, steaming and bending a single wooden plank to form the sides of a box. Three corners of the box are bent and the fourth is pegged or tied (or more recently glued) and a bottom is added.
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I bought this bentwood cedar box for my friend Maureen because she loves them. I chose the BEAR motif because, like Maureen, "Bears Symbolize the hightest level of friendship. They embody strength healing and unconditional support."
"Designed by First Nations Artist – Shain Jackson who is a Coast Salish Artist from the First Native community of Sechelt. He is also a lawyer who has represented Aboriginal communities throughout British Columbia."
Second view in comments below.
