Showing 37–42 of 42 results
Cycle of Life
There are many events in nature that represent the cycle of life. Among many coastal tribes, the cycle of life is heralded by the spawning of the salmon each year. Young salmon migrate to their village far out in the ocean, and then after several years at sea endure an arduous journey fraught with dangers to return to their birth waters. The Salmon would always return because the tribes honored the Salmon People in their First Salmon Ceremonies. In doing so, they also teach the people to continue to overcome all odds–to survive and keep their traditional cultures alive.
- 2013
- Edition of 50
- 8” by 22”
Smokehouse
People on the coast spent the spring, summer and fall gathering sustenance for the long harsh winters. The winter was for singing and dancing. The people gathered in their longhouses and related to one another by remembering and honoring their ancestors and sharing a genealogical relationship with the people of other houses. By naming the house posts, the people remembered their ancestors who were direct descendants of the house that had passed on before.The wolves in the design represent the Warrior Society among some of the coastal First Nations.
- 2012
- Edition of 50
- 14” by 24”
Pairing Eagles
Eagles mate for life. This design symbolizes the lifetime relationship that Eagles have with each other.
- 2012
- Edition of 50
- 7” by 22”
Wolves
This design is based on one that was created during the last century. Upon returning to Neah Bay after an absence, a friend of Nytom’s shared this one among a collection of designs he once left behind. He has begun using this design for his brand.
- 2018
- Edition of 25
- 8” by 20”
Man Transforming
Nine generations ago, First Peoples from Vancouver Island came by canoe to the village of Deeah (now known as Neah Bay) in search of a wife for their Chief. They waited just off the beach, hoping to be invited ashore. After singing in their canoes for a few days, a man threw his harpoon to the beach. Unimpressed, the Makah threw the harpoon back with a herring tied to the end of the shaft. A year later, the people from Vancouver returned to Neah Bay with two whales as gifts. The Makah people gave three women in marriage to the Chief. This was the beginning of blood relations between Nytom’s family and the people of Clayoquot Sound.
- 2008
- Edition of 150
- 10” by 21”
Matthew’s Medicine Bear
The inspirations for creating Nytom’s designs usually comes from interactions with people of many backgrounds. They don’t have to be Native for him to feel their spirit. This design illustrates the transformation of one man’s medicine into a Bear. Many years ago, a friend wandered away from his family. Twenty-two years later he came back. Finding his Medicine Bear helped him to realize how important his two boys were to him, and was reason enough to change his life into one that was becoming of any father. He now has grandchildren.
- 2008
- Edition of 50
- 10” by 21”