Hand Carved Blk Stone Pacific Northwest Plaque Copper Back Raven/Whale, 19 x 13"

Description

This  hand carved slate looking panel is 19 inches by 13 inches and about 1.5 inches thick.  The back is covered in copper which I've been told stood for wealth to the native peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Although this was carved in 1993, stylistically it reflects the 18th and 19th century native carvings.  It says so in the copper back, along with 'Transforming Myth Figures'.  It's signed, but I can't decipher it. Another ebayer said it was Joseph Illig. It was made in Seattle. The carving is of the Raven and Whale.  Please look at the pictures closely.  They are an important part of the description.  I'm offering this at about half of what I think it's worth based on other similar listings. I'm listed this as non-native because I couldn't decipher the signature. If the artist is this Joseph Illig, he is non-native, but his work is beautiful.
I will take this to a local shipper to wrap and send by whatever method he recommends.  I really want it to get there in one piece, and they have better packing skills than even me. Before packing, it weighs about 9 pounds. There's no hanger on the back.  I display it with a heavy duty iron easel on a blanket chest.  It's not included in the auction because it complicates packing, doubles the weight and doubles the shipping.  But it's stout enough to support this heavy plaque and may be worth the extra.  Email if you have questions before you bid.
THE SMALL PRINT... The buyer pays shipping.  I ship quickly because I appreciate being paid quickly.  I usually mail items the day after payment comes through.