Rich Lavelle Hand-Carved Tlingit Style Shamanic Oystercatcher Wood Rattle For Sale

Rich LaValle Hand-Carved Tlingit Style Shamanic Oystercatcher Wood RattleArtist:Rich LaValle (Kut Daa Jaa Gu — Adopted Tlingit Master Carver, b. 1945)
Style:Pacific Northwest Coast / Tlingit Traditional Style
Object Type:Shamanic Ceremonial Oystercatcher Rattle Replica
Estimated Dimensions:Approx. 11.5\" - 12\" length (Standard for this specific LaValle series)Item Overview & IconographyOffered here is an exquisite, museum-quality Northwest Coast-style shamanic rattle meticulously hand-carved and painted by the noted master carverRich LaValle. LaValle is highly celebrated for his authentic replication of historic Tlingit ceremonial objects.This complex carving utilizes traditional formline design to illustrate a powerful shamanic narrative of spiritual transformation and conflict resolution:

• The Main Vessel:Expertly carved into the form of anOystercatcher, structurally blending into a secondaryHawkmotif.
• The Back Motifs:Features a beautifully carvedFrog surmounting a Mountain Goat. The two entities are connected via an intertwined tongue, which traditionally symbolizes the transmission of supernatural power, medicine, or secret spirit knowledge.
• The Human Figures:Captures a dramatic traditional scene depicting aTlingit Shaman (íxt’) torturing a witch or sorcererto extract an illness or remove a curse from the community.

Artist BiographyRich LaValle (born 1945) is a highly respected non-Indigenous artist who devoted his life to mastering the complex carving traditions of Southeast Alaska. Because of his immense skill, dedication, and deep respect for the culture, he was formally and traditionally adopted by the George family into a Tlingit Clan in Angoon, Alaska, ultimately becoming recognized as a Master Carver. His museum-grade replicas and contemporary carvings are fiercely sought after by private collectors and fine art galleries across North America.Condition Report

• Overall Appearance:Beautiful, pristine display condition with incredible formline detail. The low-gloss polychrome paint retains its rich, traditional earth-tone hues perfectly mimicking a historic patina.
• Wood Note:As is common with traditional Pacific Northwest green wood carvings, there is a tight, stable, natural hairline drying check (split) along the wooden handle (visible in the photos). This is a completely natural aging characteristic of the wood and does not compromise the structural or aesthetic integrity of the piece.
• Included:Comes with the original retail dealer tag detailing the iconography and story.

Will Pack with Great CarePlease email any questions