Nakwesee Ikawigua (Cherokee tribe) in making jewelry and sculpture, works primarily in fossil walrus teeth  and tusk, woolly mammoth tusk, abalone, copper, silver and wood.  Most of her pieces represent the animals of the Northwest, in particular otters, beavers, whales, etc.  Her work reflects her native heritage and incorporates the mythology of the Kwak'wakawakw people of British Columbia.  A member of the Lelooska family, she dances in their education programs presented in Ariel, Washington.  She also exhibits at native art shows throughout the country, including the Heard Museum Guild Show in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Eiteljorg Juried Native Arts Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

Nakwesee's work has been featured in books and publications, including "Native Peoples," "Bead and Button Magazine," "Northwest Carving Traditions" and "Beadwork Magazine."

 

                    Nakwesee

                    OtterBear Studio

                    PO Box 1450

                    Woodland, WA 98674

                    otterbearstudio@aol.com