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The design represents a family of Killer whales
and the form is in the shape of a house post with a cross
beam. The Killer whale is said to represent the spirit of
the great chiefs. Killerwhale is used in the dance Klasala,
or Peace dance.
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Richard Hunt (b.1951) is a Kwaguilth (Kwakiutl)
Native from Fort Rupert, near the northern tip of Vancouver
Island, B.C. The Hunt family has been at the centre of traditional
ceremonial life and carving for generations. Richard's grandfather,
Mungo Martin, was largely responsible for the rebirth of Northwest
Coast Indian art. Richard began carving at the age of 12 under
his father, Henry Hunt, also a renowned artist. Richard worked
as chief carver in Thunderbird Park at the Royal British Columbia
Museum for more than a decade. He is now a freelance artist.
Totem poles, masks, rattles and prints are in museums and
private collections throughout North America and Europe. In
1991, Richard was the recipient of the prestigious Order of
British Columbia, the first Native artist to be so honoured
and in 1994 became a member of the Order of Canada.
In 2002, Richard received the Golden Jubilee
Medal, the approved creation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
II in honour of her 50th anniversary of Her accession to the
Throne, and presented to citizens of Canada "who have
demonstrated exeptional qualities and outstanding service
to their country." In May 2004, Richard was accepted
into the membership of the Royal Academy of the Arts in recognition
for his outstanding achievements within the visual arts.
In June 2004, Richard received an Honourary
Doctorate of Fine Arts from the University of Victoria. This
prestigious award has a special meaning to Richard because
his late father, Henry Hunt was awarded the same degree in
1983. |
