Large Gray Whale Mask by Watawidi, Tom D. Hunt - SOLD

SOLD

• Nation: Kwakwaka' wakw art, Kwakiutl art, native artists Vancouver Island
• Artist: Hunt, Tom D. (Walawidi)
• Type: Mask

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Incredible piece of true Indigenous art! This is a rare opportunity to get one of Tom's early pieces, it's dated 1987

GRAY WHALE Mask by Kwakiulth First Nation Master artist Watawidi Tom D. Hunt - absolutely superb craftsmanship

Solid piece of cedar, fully hand carved, fully hand painted, designed and signed by the artist!

On top of the amazingly detailed and deep carved Whale Man Mask is a Gray Whale, showing in full 3D, carved all around, deep, detailed, clean lines, the painting is close to perfection. Please have a close look at the images, I'm providing close-ups but still, the images don't do it justice!! The gray whale's face on the Mask's forehead is adorning it with the body and tail of the whale coming down on each side. Tom carved this piece in the 80's, it's of course signed and dated at the back and it's in great condition. Tom filled in one natural crack before he finished carving, see close-up, it's not threatening. The quality of the carving is outstanding, done with so much love and respect for the artwork as well as for the history of the peoples. 

Also, please have a look at the back of the mask, it's not just left raw, but fully carved and finished instead, sanded and painted rim on the back. Just another detail that differentiates a true master of this art from others. The 3D whale on top is moveable. It’s held by a wooden peg.

Measurements: 28" tall in total, 11" wide, the whale sculpture on top is 13" long

Meaning: The killer whale is a symbol for romance and harmony as Whales mate for life. The Whale is very family oriented and known to travel in large groups, never to be alone. They symbolize great luck and happiness, community and protection. They are a known to always be working together, take care of each other and to always help and protect each other.

Note: USD amounts estimated based on Bank of Canada average exchange rate, updated weekly, Invoice in CAD, no overseas shipping and please don’t be shy to contact us with questions, offers, requests….

We guarantee the authenticity of every piece of art sold through our Gallery !!! 

We do not offer reproductions, imported copies, cheap mass-produced, machine made or so called native-inspired/native-style knock-off pieces.

 

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Tom D. Hunt (Walawidi), is the son of Hereditary Chief George Hunt and May Hunt. Tom D. Hunt is a member of the Kwakiutl, or Kwakwaka’wakw Nation, born in 1964. Tom began apprenticing in Kwakiutl art with his father at the age of twelve and...Artist bio and other available works »