Mask depicting Salmon Boy, 1997
by Tony Hunt Jr. (1961-2017), Kwakwaka'wakw
yellow cedar, pigment
13” high x 11” wide x 9” deep
The Salmon Boy story, known in Tlingit as Shanyáakʼutlaax̱, is a traditional narrative found in several Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest, including the Kwakwakaʼwakw, though its primary origin is the Tlingit people. The story centers on a boy who disrespects salmon by throwing their bones away carelessly. As punishment, he is taken to the world of the Salmon People under the ocean. There, he learns to be a respectful steward of the salmon, returning to his community as a transformed, wise individual who teaches his people the importance of respecting the sacred cycle of life.
Tony Hunt Jr.(1961-2017), a Kwaguilth artist and dancer, was born December 4th 1961 in Victoria, British Columbia. He was a member of the Hunt family of Fort Rupert that includes many artists such as his father Tony Hunt Sr. and his uncles Richard and Stan Hunt.
Tony began carving at an early age. While in his senior years in high school a special program was put in place enabling him to spend half his time on academics and half carving at the Arts Of The Raven workshop under the direction of his father.
As an initiated Hamatsa, Tony regularly danced at potlaches. His work reflects a family tradition that traces back to his grandfather Henry Hunt and his great grandfather Mungo Martin. Tony spent his life learning the Kwaguilth art form from his elders and contemporaries. His images are traditional but contain elements of his own creativity.
Tony's work is sought after by collectors all around the world. His work was part of the exhibition "Chiefly Feasts," that was shown at the Royal Museum of British Columbia and the Burke Museum in Seattle, Washington.
