Paddle Art: Paddle Details
Sebastian Clayton Francis, Penobscot
S. C. Francis is a keeper of Penobscot traditions, learning and teaching the spiritual and artistic ways of his people. His Native name is Tama’kwesis (little beaver.) In his younger years, he did bead work and leather making. He taught himself to make rattles, deer and moose hide drums, sing traditional songs, and to respect Mother Earth, “the giver of all things we need.” S.C. began carving small totem poles to earn extra money, and as his skills developed, the variety and scale of the figures also developed. He began carving walking sticks and ceremonial clubs. As an artist, he uses traditional materials in creative ways.