Sun, fantastic craftsmanship by Rupert Jeffrey - SOLD

• Nation: Gitxsan art, native American art, Haida Indigenous native artists
• Artist: Jeffrey, Rupert
• Type: Mask

SOLD

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Red cedar hand carved, hand painted

SUN - Title:  "all clans feast for fish season with the salmon chief”

This masterpiece is the creation of Gitxsan artist Rupert Jeffrey. He imbedded the myths of his people into it – absolutely incredibly detailed, superb, outstanding craftsmanship. Important to notice: Rupert did not use any nails or screws, instead each ray is held by perfectly placed wood pegs into the sun's rim!! And did you see the salmon adorning the sun's face? Also, he has signed it a few times (!) with his carved Initials - did you see them? 

In the artists words: “The top ray of the sun, the FROG is representing the "grandfather clan" house. The bottom ray shows the "Killer Whale House" chief. The Ray on the left depicts the wolf and the salmon in the mouth of the wolf. The teeth representing the care and love for her salmon chief. The Ray on the right side shows the bear with his tongue and the full salmon design. This represents the “ father clan” who is bringing the dog salmon chief to the underworld feast - to the smoke house.

This smoke house makes the world's best smoked candy salmon, coming only from the Skeena river. The Skeena river area has the most clans in Gitxsan country of tribes and clanship still to this day. We Gitxsan's hold responsibilities of our clan houses and the stewardship of land, river, ocean, mountains. We also care for our animals and mammals along with our elders and our young thru our teachings”

Gitxsan (meaning “People of the River Mist”) are a matrilineal society that consists of Frog, Eagle, Wolf, and Fireweed Clans. Their home territory comprises most of the area known as the Skeena Country. Part of the Tsimshianic language group, their culture is considered to be part of the civilization of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, although their territory lies in the Interior rather than on the Coast. Each clan consists of a series of independent Houses (Wilp), each with their own High Chief, and traditional territories and fishing sites. Marriage within a clan is forbidden.

Measurements: 36" tall, 31" wide, approx. 3 1/2" deep

Note: USD amounts estimated based on Bank of Canada average exchange rate, updated weekly, overseas shipping costs ($86 CAD) added at check out

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Rupert Jeffrey is a member of the Gitskan First Nation, originating from the Skeena River area, a culture considered to be part of the civilization of the Pacific Northwest Coast although it lies in the interior rather than on the coast. The...Artist bio and other available works »