- Country:Canada
- Collection:Silver Commemorative $25
- Metal:Silver
- Year:2018
- Denomination:$25
- Finish:Complete
- Weight (oz):0.989
- Purity:0.9999
- Mintage:5000
- Product type:Coin
Your coin was struck multiple times to give the image a raised, embossed-like appearance! Order today!
One of the most powerful spirits in Northwest Coast mythology, the Thunderbird is a supernatural force of nature that emits lightning from its eyes and thunder from its wings. This bird-like creature holds a special place of honour on this collectible piece of art. Beautifully engraved in ultra high relief, the Thunderbird seemingly emerges from your coin, where it is enhanced by a selective touch of colours that reflect the art style of the Kwakwaka'wakw.
A treasured keepsake for all who share an interest in Indigenous culture and art! Order today!
Special features:
A CELEBRATION OF INDIGENOUS ART AND CULTURE! A beautifully sculpted tribute to thecultural traditions of Northwest Coast First Nations.
ULTRA HIGH RELIEF ENGRAVING! Like a piece of sculptural or medallic art, your coin was struck multiple times to give the imagea raised, embossed-like appearance that is rich indetail!
A DYNAMIC DESIGN! The mythological figure has been carefully sculptedto infuse the design with a sense of movement as the Thunderbird seemingly emerges from your coin.
TRADITIONAL COLOURS! A selective application of colours highlights the engraved formlines that are characteristic of Northwest Coast art, while the choice of these colours - red, black, blue, orange and yellow - keep the expressive artstyle of the Kwakwaka'wakw.
INCLUDES SERIALIZED CERTIFICATE! The Royal Canadian Mint certifiesall of its collector coins.
LOW MINTAGE! Limited to 5,000 coins worldwide.
PURE SILVER! Your coin is 99.99% pure silver.
NO GST/HST!
Design:
A legendary mythological creature, the Thunderbird is a supernatural force of nature in this reversedesign by Northwest Coast artist Andy Everson. Ultra high relief engraving mimics the deeply sculpted nature of traditional Kwakwaka'wakw carvings, and gives the Thunderbird the appearance of emerging from your coin's silver surface. Itis said that with every blink, the Thunderbird sends lightning bolts flashing across the sky, and every beat of its wings emits tremendous thunderclaps; in keeping with the expressive art style of the Kwakwaka'wakw, a selective application of colours add to the visual storytelling by drawing attention to the Thunderbird's features and heightening the dramatic intensity of the lightning bolts. The obverse features the effigy of Her MajestyQueen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Did you knowÃ
Often depicted with outstretched wings, the Thunderbird is a familiar sight atop many totem poles-especially those of the Kwakawaka'wakw. TheThunderbird is also a prestigious ancestor crest.
The Thunderbird may resemble the Eagle, but he is easily identified by the curled appendage on his head, which may represent feathered tufts.
It is said that the Thunderbird can hunt the Killer Whale, by using lightning snakes held under his wings. These serpents are said to have the heads of wolves, and were often painted on the sides of canoesto bring luck to whalers at sea.
