BEAR BY TIM ALFRED 23TA9
Dimensions: Length: 11 Inches, Height: 7 3/4 Inches, Depth: 3/4 Inches
 

This one of a kind carving was handmade by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Tim Alfred in 2023. The plaque is carved from traditional yellow cedar and displays clean cuts and lovely detail.  Paint has been beautifully applied to accentuate the features of the Bear and 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.

 

BEAR 

Bear is thought to be a close relation to humans and represent a link between the human and non-human animal realms. Due their strength and fierceness, bears are frequently the guardians, protectors and helping spirits of warriors.

Bear is depicted with a wide mouth, a short broad snout, short squared ears, large clawed feet; and little or no tail. The tongues are sometimes displayed protruding and extending downwards. Grizzly bears will be represented with prominent fangs, while a black or brown bear will have teeth but no fangs.

 

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, which provides a tracking number. Multiple purchases together to save on shipping charges. 

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