William Cook - Spirit Jewelry

Kwakwaka'waka Artist from Alert Bay

William Cook comes from a family of artist; his brother is established Kwakwaka'wakw artist Rande Cook, and his niece is emerging Kwakwaka'wakw artist Jazimine McCrimmon-Cook. He works in the traditional Kwakwaka'wakw style and has worked with Kwakwaka'wakw artist Ptrick Seaweed, Henry Nelson and Frances Dick. William is primarily a jeweller but he began creating cedar panels in 2013.

SPIRIT ANIMALS:

BEAR

The protector of the animal kingdom. With great power and human like qualities, the Bear is known as the Elder Kinsman and is always treated as a high ranking guest. The Bear also symbolizes strength, learned humility, motherhood and teaching.

EAGLE

Symbol of power, prestige and wisdom. The Eagle also has a strong connection to peace. Its sacred down represents friendship and its feathers are used for ceremonies and rituals. The Cree consider each feather as having special meaning and distinction.

FROG

A symbol of prosperity, wealth and good luck. In Tsimshian culture, the Frog is known as the communicator between mother earth and mankind. The Haida carved frogs on their house posts to keep them from falling over.

HUMMINGBIRD

Joyful messengers who represent peace, affection and good fortune. The Hummingbird is a living rainbow that captures the sunlight and turns it into a jewel on its wings, signifying love, beauty and healing. This tiny bird is also called "Sah Sen"

KILLER WHALE

It is a popular symbol for romance as they mate for life. Legend says that Whales can capture a canoe, take it underwater, and transform the occupants into Whales. Thus, a Whale near the shore is a transformed human trying to communicate with his family.

RAVEN

The creator, transformer and trickster. Legend says the Raven released the sun and moon, and discovered mankind in a clamshell. The Raven also brought the salmon and the water to man, and taught people how to fish and hunt. The Raven is one of the two main crests of the Haida.

SALMON

The Symbol of immortality and wealth, dependability and renewal. The Salmon is the life source, and is always treated with high regard. The great abundance of salmon allowed the culture of the Northwest Coast to flourish.

THUNDERBIRD

Thunderbird possesses supernatural power and is credited for creating storms. When he blinks, lighting comes out of his eyes, and when he flaps his wings, thunder roars. It hunts and eats Whales by using the two lightning snakes kept under his wings.

WOLF

A symbol of great strength. It is considered wise and powerful, and is known for its strong family ties. In Kwakiutl culture the Wolf is the leader of the animal kingdom. It is admired for its tactful hunting skills, and is the land manifestation of Whale since they mate for life.