Kwakwaka’wakw Sterling Silver Bracelet by Don Wadhams — Eagles, Killer Whales & Ravens — 33.4g, 23mm
This hand-carved sterling silver bracelet by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Don Wadhams brings together three central figures of Northwest Coast culture—Eagle, Killer Whale, and Raven—expressed in a clean, balanced formline design that wraps seamlessly around the cuff. The piece displays strong traditional structure, deep engraving, and confident cross-hatching, giving it a refined profile and a striking presence on the wrist.
Carved across a wide 23mm band, the design layers Eagle’s commanding presence, the fluid movement of Killer Whale, and Raven’s transformative energy. The interplay between these crests creates a narrative flow characteristic of coastal carving: symmetry, ovoids, U-forms, and fine texture work appearing throughout the panel.
Inside the bracelet, the artist has engraved:
“Eagles Killer Whales Ravens – Made by D. Wadhams.”
At 33.4 grams of sterling silver, the piece is substantial yet comfortable, fitting most wrists around 7.5 inches with some adjustability. The weight and width give it the feel of a gallery-grade bracelet, intended to be both worn and collected.
Excellent condition: Light surface marks from normal handling only. No dents, warping, or repair. The carving remains crisp with no softening of detail. Tests as sterling silver.
- Includes Bracelet only.
Key Features
Artist: Don Wadhams (Kwakwaka’wakw)
Crests: Eagle, Killer Whale & Raven
Material: Sterling silver
Weight: 33.4 g
Width: 23 mm
Engraving: Hand-signed inscription inside
Style: Traditional Northwest Coast formline with deep cuts & cross-hatching
Fit: Comfortable on wrists approx. 7.5 inches, adjustable
Origin: British Columbia, Canada
"Exceptional carving detail—Wadhams’ work is always recognizable, and pieces like this are getting harder to find. A solid, impressive bracelet with the kind of finish collectors look for.”
FAQ
Q: Is this bracelet hand-carved or cast?
A: This is fully hand-carved. The line work, depth variation, and cross-hatching are consistent with traditional engraving by hand tools.
Q: What size wrist does it fit?
A: It fits comfortably around a 7.5-inch wrist, with a small amount of safe adjustability.
Q: Is the artist Indigenous?
A: Yes. Don Wadhams is a Kwakwaka’wakw artist from the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Q: Is it sterling silver?
A: Yes, tested sterling. Most Northwest Coast carvers use 92.5% silver for durability and carving integrity.
Q: Is the design traditional?
A: Very much so—Eagle, Killer Whale, and Raven are among the most important Northwest Coast crests, represented in classic formline structure.
