Northwest Coast Artist Signed RL 18K 37g Gold Carved Wolf with Drum Pendant

Authentic Hand-Engraved Gold Pendant Symbolizing Loyalty, Communication, and Spiritual Connection in Indigenous Northwest Coast Tradition
This 18K 37g yellow gold pendant, signed by Northwest Coast artist RL, features a deeply engraved formline design depicting a single stylized wolf in a dynamic stance, banging on a ceremonial hand drum with extended paws, pointed ears, snout, and textured drum elements including nested ovoids and cross-hatching for depth. In Haida/Tlingit traditions, the Wolf symbolizes loyalty, family, strength, and perseverance, while the hand drum represents the heartbeat of the people, communication, ceremony, and cultural memory—together evoking a storyteller or guardian spirit bridging natural and spiritual realms in ancestral myths. The pendant showcases expert craftsmanship with flowing ovoids, U-forms, and S-curves against a hammered background, highlighting contrast and movement in classic Northwest Coast style. Signed "RL", this piece affirms provenance from a BC-based carver, likely Haida or Tlingit affiliated, known for ceremonial motifs in premium metals. In excellent condition, it combines profound symbolism with luxurious wearability, ideal for collectors of First Nations art or those seeking meaningful, high-value heirlooms rooted in Pacific Northwest heritage.
 
Condition: Excellent, with brilliant polish and precise engraving details—no dents, scratches, or wear, retaining full artistic integrity.
 
Features
Solid 18K 37g yellow gold for superior purity and substantial presence
Hand-engraved Wolf playing hand drum in traditional formline, with ovoid eyes, snout, ears, and textured drum patterns
Pendant design with deep relief carving, cross-hatching, and dynamic posture for enhanced symbolism
Signed "RL" for artist authentication and cultural provenance
Symbolism: Wolf embodying loyalty, strength, and family; drum signifying communication, ceremony, and spiritual heartbeat
 
“Expert formline precision and layered cultural meaning—a captivating Northwest Coast narrative in gold.”
— E.T.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the artist?
A: RL, a Northwest Coast Indigenous carver from British Columbia, specializing in engraved gold pieces with traditional motifs, likely Haida or Tlingit based on style.
 
Q: What do the Wolf and Drum symbolize?
A: Wolf represents loyalty, family, strength, and perseverance; the drum symbolizes communication, ceremony, spiritual connection, and the heartbeat of the people in Northwest Coast lore.
 
Q: How do I care for it?
A: Gently wipe with a soft cloth; avoid chemicals to preserve the gold and detailed engraving.