Bell Hammer Song

The Chilkat Blanket Dancers

A Song Cycle of the Haida Tribe of the Pacific Northwest

In his sixth cycle of songs, Big Hand creates a seascape narrative of the Pacific Rim Northwest Haida Tribe. The songs explore the archipelago of islands in the Ring of Fire, where the intertidal zones of the ocean current provide for the survival of the marine cultures.

Fish traps, long houses, salmon harvests, tidal gardens and totem poles are contemplated, as well as the mystery of smoke in its purification ritual, tattoos as totem empowerments and a wildlife of whales, otters, ravens, orcas, bears, eagles and halibut. The Haida live sheltered from the Pacific near the sea passage of the Dolomite Narrows, a nutrient rich, narrow channel in the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii National Park/Haida Heritage Site).

The evergreen cedar anchors the maritime cultures in the comings and goings of the tide. The water-resistant wood protects their canoes, blankets, hats, smoke houses, totem carvings, shelters, fishing gear and relic boxes. It is a peaceful co-existence of all creatures involved.

Bell Hammer Song

The Chilkat Blanket Dancers

A Song Cycle of the Haida Tribe of the Pacific Northwest

Songs:

Cedar Red Canoe

The Allhallow Tide of the Green Pumpkin Men