As mentioned in Lot 59, canoes and being on the water are central features of Nuu-chah-nulth life. This larger paddle features a classic Nuu-chah-nulth image of a Serpent, incised into the birch or alder and painted primarily in red and black pigments. The long snout, teeth, and ears of the Serpent reflect the Wolf-like depictions of these supernatural beings in Nuu-chah-nulth culture, while the undulating, finned body leaves little doubt to the identity of the creature being depicted. Compared to Tlingit or Tsimshian paddles from this period, Nuu-chah-nulth examples are relatively rare in the market.