Joe Becker Musqueam Thunderbird Wood Carving

Vintage Joe Becker Thunderbird Wood Carving – Coast Salish Art A distinctive carved wooden plaque featuring a stylized Thunderbird design, attributed to renowned Coast Salish artist Joe Becker (1943–2014). The carving features bold, flowing lines and dark accents against a warm brown wood background. The reverse bears a handwritten inscription that appears to read “Joe Becker,” along with additional writing referencing B.C. ARTIST INFORMATION Joe Becker (February 25, 1943–2014) was a self-taught Coast Salish artist known for his wood carvings and distinctive Salish designs. Raised along the Fraser River, he worked as a fisherman before beginning to experiment with carving in the early 1960s. He later returned to Musqueam and focused on creating art in the traditional Coast Salish style. Becker became recognized for significant projects, including work on the Coast Salish Longhouse at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, and the creation of more than 400 talking sticks for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. His commissions also included a mural project at the University of British Columbia in 2007. He founded Direction 7 Designs, specializing in Coast Salish designs and large-scale projects. Artist biography adapted from Lattimer Gallery, 2021. ITEM DETAILS * Artist attribution: Joe Becker * Subject: Thunderbird design * Material: Carved wood * Dimensions: Approximately 10” tall × 7½” wide * Display: Wall hanging with loop on reverse * Era: Possibly 1980s; exact date unknown * Condition: Vintage condition with visible surface wear, scratches, and signs of age and handling. Please review all photographs carefully. An appealing piece for collectors of Coast Salish art, Northwest Coast design, and vintage wood carvings. Please note: The attribution to Joe Becker is based on the handwritten inscription on the reverse. The specific work’s authenticity and date have not been independently verified