Four Feathers

As an internationally renowned artist now residing in the Resort Village of Manitou Beach, Clayton Cave’s functional works of art are in collections in Brazil, France, New Zealand, Australia, China and across North America. In addition, his work has been sought by art dealers in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He has worked from satellite locations in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Ohio. A large part of Clayton’s work is commissioned. 

Clayton’s art includes carvings in Kissi Soapstone from Kenya, Africa, custom built knives featuring inlaid handles shaped from wood, ivory and antler on stainless steel blades bearing hand etched designs. African and Inuit influences can be seen in some of his work. He has enjoyed collaborating with internationally recognized artists including Edward Mobondo from South Africa, Stanley and Bobby from Inuvik, Northwest Territories and Joan Foulston from Tugaske. In addition Clayton has been honoured with the gift of sacred red pipe stone and has been commissioned to carve several First Nations ceremonial pipes. 

Clayton was born in 1954 and raised on the family farm near Tugaske, Saskatchewan. He gained an appreciation and respect for wildlife from years of hunting and trapping.  Over a period of approximately 15 years, Clayton traveled with Cree Elders and Medicine Man Dennis Lightening, participated in and acted as helper (mishtaube) in ceremonies including; four day fast, sweat lodge, sun dance, give away, wedding, funeral, yuwipi, shaker tent, opening and closing of medicine wheel and rain dance. He was encouraged to host his own sweat lodges which he continues to do so at his home in Manitou Beach.

Clayton’s meticulously carved pendants are made of exotic materials ranging from nearly fossilized buffalo bone to mammoth tusk, whale’s tooth, elephant and walrus tusk, to moose bone. Whether working with antler, wood, ivory, pipe and soap-stone, creating jewelry or custom-built knives, Clayton’s works of art are truly exceptional.