Bear and Chief with Eagle Copper Totem, John Henry Hunt - SOLD

SOLD

• Nation: Kwakwaka' wakw art, Kwakiutl art, native artists Vancouver Island
• Artist: Hunt, John Henry
• Type: Totem

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What an incredible detailed piece of art - please have a close look.

Totem Pole, designed, fully hand carved, hand painted and signed by Kwakiulth First Nation artist John Henry Hunt

Bear and Frog above Chief which is holding the Eagle copper

Absolutely unbelievable craftsmanship. It clearly show's John Henry's talent and love for this art. He pays incredible attention to details. The carving is deep, very clean and sanded to perfection. The colors used are traditional and very powerful. Please take the time to look at each close-up image so you can appreciate all the little details. John Henry even carved additional wolfs on each side of the totem.

The sculpture is standing on a black wooden base. It's in superb condition, signed at the back of the totem. This piece is dated 2022. cedar wood. 

Measurements: 20" x 6" x 5', base is 9" x 6 1/2" 

Note: USD amounts based on Bank of Canada average exchange rate, updated weekly, Invoices in CAD

Meaning: The Bear is a symbol for power, courage, physical strength and leadership. Warrior's e.g. are known to wear bear claw necklaces which meant protection. The Frog is a very important Symbol in the Northwest Coast Art and Culture. Since he is living in two worlds, water and land, the Frog is revered for his adaptability, knowledge and power to traverse worlds and inhabit both, the natural and the supernatural. Frogs are used by Shamans as spirit helpers who provides the voice of the people. The "Copper" was used by the First Nations people as a form of money and wealth. It was made out of "Native" copper which was found in the land where they lived, and superficially resembled a shield. Considered very rare and hard to obtain, raw copper was traded from the Athabaskan Indians in the Interior Plains, or from the white man in later times. Coppers were beaten into shape and usually painted or engraved with traditional designs. One of the most interesting aspects of the Copper is that they were given names so that their worth and heritage could be passed on. 

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

John Henry Hunt is a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation. He was born in 1974 in Alert Bay, a small fishing community off Vancouver Island, on the Pacific Northwest Coast of British Columbia and takes the powerful...Artist bio and other available works »