10 × 12 × 12 in
in
cm
$8,000
The red cedar of this Kwakwaka’wakw mask provides the ideal surface for deeply carved features and bold strokes of traditional black, red, and green. In the shadowed creases and surrounding areas, the crisp grain of the wood shines through, a celebration of both manmade colour and the natural world. The bear is a symbol of strength and courage, traits exemplified in the direct, wide-eyed gaze and fierce expression of this striking piece. The cedar mask is a feature of many dances, including the Hamatsa, in which the artist was trained.
| Medium | Sculpture |
| Signature | Signed |
| Frame | Unframed |
| Condition | very good |
| Seller | Gallery |
| Location | Victoria, Canada |
| Provenance | The Artist; Mark Loria Gallery, Victoria, Canada. |
Tony Hunt Jr. was born into a wealth of tradition. His great-grandfather, Mungo Martin has been credited with much of the revitalization of the Kwakwaka’wakw culture in the latter half of this century. His grandfather was Henry Hunt and his father was Hereditary Chief Tony Hunt–both were renowned Kwakwaka’wakw carvers.
Hunt was a highly accomplished artist whose work is still sought by both museums and private collectors in many parts of the world. His family crests were “Raven” and “Sisiutl.” He was an initiated “Hamatsa” dancer and inherited the rights to many high-ranking dances belonging to his family. He assisted his grandfather, father, brother, and cousins in building the first big house erected in Fort Rupert in 70 years. Hunt considered this to be his most significant contribution so far to the art and culture of the Kwakwaka’wakw.
Hunt carved since his childhood, receiving tuition from Henry Hunt, Tony Hunt Sr., Richard Hunt, Calvin Hunt, John Livingston and Gene Brabant. His preferred medium was wood sculpture.
Source: Mark Loria Gallery
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