Sea Wolf Transformation Mask, 1994
by George Hunt Jr., Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation
red cedar, wolf ruff, horse hair, operculum shell (teeth), fossil ivory (fangs), pigment
36" high x 39" wide x 30" deep
Kwakwaka’wakw First nation artist George Hunt Jr. was born on April 30, 1958 in Campbell River, British Columbia. His Kwakwaka’wakw name “Nas-u-niz” means Light Beyond the World, and he carries the traditional chief’s name Nagedzi-Yathlawalth, passed down from his grandfather Chief Tommy Hunt, to his father, Chief George Hunt Sr., and now to him.
Hunt’s family lineage descends from the village of Fort Rupert on Vancouver Island. George comes from a rich artistic heritage which including master carver Mungo Martin (step great grandfather), Henry Hunt (grand uncle) and Tony Hunt Sr. (uncle).
George began carving at the age of fourteen under the tutelage of his father, Chief George Hunt Sr. (Yalawa-Negegdz). After learning the basics of knife techniques, and some of the forms that make up Kwakwaka’wakw Art, George began an apprenticeship with his maternal grandfather, Sam Henderson.
As well as learning the traditional art forms, George was initiated into the Hamatsa Society and began learning the inherited dance steps at age sixteen under his paternal grandfather, Chief Thomas Hunt.
George’s original works of art including totem poles, masks, silkscreen prints, and sculptural drums have been purchased for both public and private collections including The British Museum, The Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian, The Burke Museum, Pendleton Woolen Mills, and The Seattle Art Museum.
A project George is particularly proud of is being selected as one of four original artists who created Pendleton Blankets for the American Indian College Fund’s Hope Project. George donated a special drawing based on a traditional Chilkat Blanket design in honor of his great-great-great grandmother, Tlingit noblewoman and renowned Chilkat Blanekt weaver, Mary Ebbets Hunt (Anishlaga).
