Héendei Halibut Hook - Kéet

"Kéet" Halibut Hook handcrafted by Héendei Donald Gregory, a Tlingit artist from Angoon, Alaska, embodies the traditional Alaska Native style using yew wood and yellow cedar. It maintains full functionality with a steel hook while staying true to the authentic design.

Dimensions: 10.5" L x 1.5" W x 4.75" H

This halibut hook draws from the foundational Tlingit narrative of Natsilane, whose exceptional prowess and character marked him for leadership. Envious of his trajectory, his brothers orchestrate his drowning at sea. Sea otter intervenes, providing sanctuary and gifting seeds that ultimately populate the Pacific Northwest with diverse forest species. Natsilane fashions these resources into a Yellow Cedar fish carving, an offering of gratitude that transforms into Blackfish, the primordial killer whale. Guided by this supernatural ally, Natsilane returns to vanquish his brothers and reclaim his rightful position as chief. The narrative encodes profound principles: the triumph of virtue over malice, the reciprocal bonds between humans and the natural world, and the restoration of rightful order through courage and integrity.