Welcome Bear, authentic and direct from artist John Henry Hunt

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

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Another colorful, masterfully carved sculpture by native artist John Henry Hunt from the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation, Vancouver Island, Northwest native American art. 

Welcome Sculpture, Bear Mother

As always, the details in John Henry's pieces of art are just amazing. He spent so much time on each piece, His style is unique and his artwork is easy recognizable. He is playful with the colors he chooses and always adds the little "extra" in every piece. This is a fabulous example of contemporary Indigenous art, a great conversation piece, a beautiful addition to any collection and just looks great on every fireplace mantle .... Have a close look at the images please - The bear is signed at the back. 

Measurements: 10" tall, base is 4" x 4" 

Legend: In West Coast culture, there are several legends telling of a Chief's daughter being abducted by a bear. The high ranking woman had been out in the woods picking berries and stepped on some Bear dung and began to curse out loud, insulting their cleanliness. Two Bears nearby heard her and decided they would not tolerate such insolence. They felt the disrespectful woman had to be punished. To do this, one Bear transformed himself into a very handsome man who approached this woman, and seductively lured her to accompany him to his mountain home. When she did, she fell in love with him and became partially Bear-like herself.

She later married him and had twin cubs. Their children were born as little creatures that resembled bears who could metamorphose themselves into human form like their father. The woman's brothers eventually found her and, in an unequal contest, killed her husband. They returned to the village but the two bear sons did not feel comfortable and eventually left to return to the forest. All Bear Clan members are descended from this woman and her two sons.

Note: USD amounts based on Bank of Canada average exchange rate, updated weekly, Invoice in CAD, overseas shipping costs $65 CAD added at check-out.

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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 »