Mask depicting Kingfisher
by Ozzie Matilpi (1958-2005). Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation
red cedar, pigment
14.5" high x 13" wide x 11" deep
Ozzie Matilpi was born in 1958 in Alert Bay, BC. He created traditional masks from red or yellow cedar from 1979 until he passed away in 2005. His father, the late Oscar Matilpi Sr., taught Ozzie to carve. As well, he was greatly influenced by the work of renowned carver and keeper of tradition Henry Hunt Sr.
Oscar Matilpi Sr. (1933 - 1999) was born in Itsekan, (Matilpi Village). Henry Hunt Sr., Oscar's brother-in-law, taught Oscar to carve. They continued to work together at Thunderbird Park in Victoria in the 1960's. Oscar continued to carve for the rest of his life, passing on the carving tradition to his sons.
