Explore The Royal Family's close relationship with the region, as well as the diverse artistic traditions represented in the Royal Collection
Klee Wyck (Laughing One)
199424.0 x 29.0 x 15.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 69143
A killer whale was the official mascot of the XV Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada, in 1994. This wooden model of the mascot is called Klee Wyck, which means 'laughing one'. Its bold black, white and red colours are typical of artwork produced by the Kwakwaka'wakw people indigenous to the region.
Harris Smith (1942–2005) was an artist from the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations cultural group. He has signed this work with the name Lalkawilas ('Chief Who Feasts the People til Morning').
It was presented to The Queen by the organisers of the XV Commonwealth Games in Canada, 13–22 August 1994.
