Nimpkish Ridicule Mask by Wayne Alfred, Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation

Nimpkish Ridicule Mask
by Wayne Alfred, Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation
red cedar, cedar bark, pigment
10" high x 8" wide x 6.5" deep

A long time ago the Kwaguilth people of northern Vancouver Island held a huge potlatch. Chiefs were invited from all the villages to the north and south to come and witness the songs and dances that the Kwaguilth people possessed. During the potlatch the chiefs were given a chance to speak to the audience. They each spoke in turn of their own home's virtues. Some proclaimed to have the largest Salmon, or the finest bighouse, or the most beautiful women. When it came to a northern chief's turn he strode into the center of the house and held a large jar above his head. Arrogantly he proclaimed that he owned the largest supply of ooligan oil. This oil is made from the Ooligan fish, sometimes called the candle fish, because it is so oily that when it is dried out you can light one end and it will burn like a candle. The oil is very flammable and considered very valuable. The Chief extolled about his wealth, and to show his power he threw the jar into the fire, where it exploded. The fire leapt up and burned one side of his face! Since then the Kwaguilth have made the Ridicule Mask to represent the danger of losing sight of our humility and to remind us that we suffer the consequences of our own actions.

Kwakwaka’wakw carver Wayne Alfred was born in 1958 into the 'Namgis First Nation, near the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island.  His family are artistically, culturally, and politically active within his First Peoples' Nation.

Wayne’s very refined and meticulous carving and painting work reflects influences from such historic artists as Arthur Shaughnessy, Mungo Martin and Willy Seaweed, combined with his own sense of Kwakwaka’wakw tradition.  His deep understanding of the dramatic considerations of making masks and ceremonial pieces is reflected in his highly collectible works.

Wayne began carving at a very young age and received a great deal of support and encouragement from his elders to pursue his artwork on a full-time basis.  He is respected singer and a Head Hamatsa dancer, or leader of the initiation process into this high status and secret society within the community. Wayne’s historical knowledge and familiarity with traditional practices and oral traditions set him apart as a community leader and establishes him as an influential figure to emerging artists.

In the 1980’s Beau Dick and Wayne completed a thirty-foot totem pole that stands in Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia.  In 1998 Wayne helped rebuild the ‘Big House’ in Alert Bay, the central congregational community structure destroyed in a fire in 1997.

His background and his artwork have been documented in many books focusing on the combination of traditional and contemporary themes, and his art has been showcased worldwide in important exhibitions and catalogs of Northwest Coast art.  In 2012, he was awarded British Columbia’s Creative Achievement Award for First Nations’ Art.