SALMON BY TIM ALFRED 23TA8
Dimensions: Length: 12 1/2 Inches, Height: 8 Inches, Depth: 3/4 Inch
 

This one of a kind carving was handmade by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Tim Alfred in 2023. The plaque was created from traditional yellow cedar and displaying clean cuts and lovely detail.  Paint has been beautifully applied to accentuate the features of the Salmon. The piece has been painstakingly knife finished, giving the piece lovely texture.  Tim has signed the back of the carving and I will provide a copy of his biography to the winner. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE.

  

SALMON

Salmon is an extremely important resource to Northwest Coast peoples and is a powerful symbol of regeneration, self-sacrifice, and perseverance.

Failure to observe certain rituals, such as not listening to the wisdom of the elders, could ultimately result in Salmon shortages. Oral traditions tell of individuals that were taken by the Salmon, eventually returning with secret knowledge, enabling them to become shaman.

Salmon is easily recognizable by short fins, round eyes, downward turned mouth, and a large bifurcated tail.

 

TIM ALFRED

Affiliation: Kwakwaka’wakw
Birth Date: 1967
Birth Place: Alert Bay, British Columbia

Tim Alfred was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia in 1967 and moved to the village of Fort Rupert in 1985. His family tree includes the bands of Kwaguilth (Fort Rupert), Namgis (Alert Bay), Mumtagila (Etsekin), Mamalelegala (Village Island) and Tlowitsis (Turnor Island).

In 1989, at a memorial potlatch for his brother, his mothers family placed him in the family's chief position at the bighouse in Alert Bay where he received the name "Mus-cum-tsi", which symbolizes the four clans of the Kwakwaka'wakw nation.

Tim first started carving in the world renowned Kwakiutl style at the age of 20 and was highly inspired and influenced by the work of well known artists such as Stan Hunt, Wayne Alfred, Beau Dick and Calvin Hunt. As a young artists he was able to learn techniques for making bentwood boxes, planks from cedar logs, mask carving, paddles, model canoes and the making of dance regalia for traditional use in the bighouse.

Some of his other projects include two drums and twenty paddles he made for the Fort Rupert elementary school in 1998. He as also done charity work for memorial trophies and made donations to various fund raising events in his community, including the auction to benefit the reconstruction of the Alert Bay Bighouse. His work sells in many galleries including sales to museums in Alert Bay and Victoria.

Recently he has had the opportunity to work on totem poles with Calvin Hunt, Mervin Child and David Knox for the Kwakiutl Band daycare project in Fort Rupert.


Coastal Treasures: Native Art Gallery

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Guarantee:
All items are fully guaranteed for quality. Refund of auction amount (buyer must contact me within 5 days of receiving the item) if not satisfied.

Shipping:
I ship all items (Canada and the United States) with Canada Post Expedited Parcel or Canada Post Tracked Parcel, which provides a waybill number. I will ship multiple purchases together to save on shipping charges. For additional shipping options, please contact me. 
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