Norman PeterPaul – Mi’kmaq Woodcarver

Norman PeterPaul (1943–2014) was a Mi’kmaq artist from Elsipogtog, New Brunswick, known for his hand-carved wooden works. His carvings include large and small totem poles, pipes, hunting bows, and other wooden pieces, with several works preserved at Friends United in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

About Norman PeterPaul

Norman PeterPaul, portrait photograph of the artist.

Norman PeterPaul – Artist Biography

1943-2014

Norman PeterPaul was a gifted Mi’kmaq artist who loved to work with wood. He sadly passed away in 2014. Norman resided in Big Cove, Elsipogtog (which translates in Mi’kmaq to “River of Fire” due to its colorful sunsets), New Brunswick. He carved small and large totem poles, peace pipes, manufactured wooden hunting bows, and many other wooden art items. Three of his largest totem poles, peace pipes, and 2 hunting bows can be seen at the Friends United International Convention Centre as they are being exhibited in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He usually carved with pine wood from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Woodcarvings by Norman PeterPaul

This gallery presents a selection of wooden works created by Norman PeterPaul, including carved poles, pipes, bows, and other handcrafted pieces. His work reflects a strong connection to wood as an artistic material, with several larger works now exhibited at the Friends United International Convention Centre in Cape Breton.

Totem Pole by Norman PeterPaul, showing a carved wooden totem pole with stacked figures and symbolic details.
Pipe by Norman PeterPaul, showing a carved wooden pipe.
Totem Pole by Norman PeterPaul, showing a carved wooden totem pole with stacked figures and symbolic details.
Pipe by Norman PeterPaul, showing a hand-carved wooden pipe with detailed craftsmanship.
Bow and Arrow by Norman PeterPaul, showing a handcrafted wooden bow and an arrow.
Pipe by Norman PeterPaul, showing a hand-carved wooden pipe with detailed craftsmanship.
Little Totem Pole by Norman PeterPaul, showing a carved wooden totem pole with stacked faces and symbolic details.
Pipe by Norman PeterPaul, showing a hand-carved wooden pipe with detailed craftsmanship.
Two Pipes by Norman PeterPaul, showing two short carved wooden pipe pieces.
Tomahawk by Norman PeterPaul, showing a hand-carved wooden tomahawk with carved design details.
Little Totem Pole by Norman PeterPaul, showing a carved wooden totem pole with stacked figures and symbolic details.
Little Totem Pole by Norman PeterPaul, showing a carved wooden pole with figures and symbolic details.
Little Totem Pole by Norman PeterPaul, showing a carved wooden totem pole with faces.
Little Totem Pole by Norman PeterPaul, showing a carved wooden totem pole with stacked figures and symbolic details.
Little Totem Pole by Norman PeterPaul, showing a carved wooden totem pole with stacked figures and symbolic details.

Work and Legacy

Norman PeterPaul’s work remains part of the Friends United collection and continues to be represented through the wooden carvings displayed at the Friends United International Convention Centre. His surviving works provide a tangible record of his craftsmanship and his long-standing dedication to working with wood.

His artistic legacy also has a family connection within Friends United. Norman was related to Mi’kmaq artist Fancy PeterPaul, whose paintings and artistic journey are presented on her own Friends United artist page.

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