GEORGE WILSON {YUROK} makes regalia, bows, arrows, quivers, drums, benches and dugout canoes. George Wilson is a contemporary culture bearer.

George works and resides in the Klamath Glen, above the Klamath River, near the town of Klamath, California. He is inspired by the river, forests and natural elements. Mr. Wilson maintains a personal connection to the materials he uses and the pieces he creates. He has said, "Don't call me an artist. I just happen to be a man who is fortunate enough to have learned from the elders … and then I take their style and I change it according to what the element says to me."

George's creations represent a contemporary take on objects made "the old way."

Benches for Indian gambling

The two card handlers kneel or sit on a blanket while the team members sit on benches behind them. (Indian "cards" are also called sticks.)

Note:
The designs on the benches allude to many spiritual themes seen in basketry, wood working, and personal adornment. The bench legs are in the form of traditional stools, usually carved from tree trunks.

Drums

The square drums are unique to Northwestern California peoples. The drum is a personal instrument used on various occasions; gambling is one of these events.

Throughout the game, the men who are supporting the card handler sit behind him, playing the drum and singing.

The Making of an Eel Hook In December of 2005

Eel Hook materials

Handle:	yew wood
Hook:	elk horn
Wrapping:	deer sinew
	deer hide glue
Inlay:	abalone shell
Polish:	bear grease

The eel hook is a traditional tool used by the Yurok of the Klamath River, to catch eels going up the river. The back hook is to hook salmon.

This is the way the eel hook has been made since memory, from the beginning of time. The men stand in water up to their knees, watching for the eel to swim up the River. They hook the eel and toss it over their shoulders. The eel lands away from the river and immediately starts making its way back to the water.

Traditionally, women stood behind the men; it was their job to catch the eels and put them in a containing basket or, later, a bucket.

The second hook is used to catch any salmon that might pass by.

Today, California state law forbids the hooking of salmon. Still, the Yurok men make eel hooks in the traditional way, to respect their ancestors and the laws given by Creator.

In their heart of hearts it is the Old Law they respect and this is their outward manifestation of respect for the Old Ways.

The eel hooks are made to be beautiful, so the Creator will know they appreciate the eel running. It is also a way for the eel to know they are giving their lives to a respectful family. And the River knows the man using this eel hook made it with a good heart, or the person using it knows how important it is to present beauty to the Creator and the River.

Recently, a Yurok man was eeling when a salmon smacked his shins. It was natural for him to turn the hook and snag the salmon. There just happened to be a state game warden standing behind him and he arrested the Yurok man. The presiding judge found the Yurok man had acted upon genetic memory and found him not guilty.

Click here for photos and please contact me for prices and availability.

Thank you,

Dale Ann Frye Sherman,
daleannyurok@aol.com
707-269-7078