Join Us for the Tlingit Dance Paddle Painting Workshop with Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa (Bill Pfeifer, Jr.). This hands-on experience explores the artistry and cultural significance of Tlingit ceremonial paddles (axáa), rooted in Southeast Alaska's coastal communities.
**Paddle Size:** 24" long, 4" wide, 3/4" thick
The Role of Paddles in Tlingit Culture
For the Tlingit, paddles symbolize connection, identity, and storytelling. Used in canoes for hunting and fishing, these paddles come in various shapes and sizes, crafted mainly from yellow cedar for its durability.
Dance Paddles: Ceremonial Artistry
Dance paddles, distinct from everyday ones, are ceremonial objects used in winter gatherings. Adorned with clan motifs, they visually narrate clan stories and express identity, honoring ancestors.
Painting and Carving: A Living Tradition
This workshop continues the vibrant tradition of paddle making and painting, teaching participants about materials, carving techniques, and traditional pigments unique to Tlingit art. These skills have been passed down through generations.
Why This Matters
Participating is an opportunity to connect with a living tradition, contributing to the preservation of Tlingit identity. Join us at the beautiful Harbor House in Olympia, a hub for Indigenous arts.
We invite you to this significant painting experience, where beginners are welcome—no prior painting experience is necessary!
