Sisiutl (Double Headed Sea Serpent) Moon with Sea Lion Mask
by Trevor Hunt, Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation
red cedar, cedar bark rope, pigment
30" diameter x 9" deep
A two headed sea serpent with a humanoid face in the center of its body, the Sisiutl is not only easy to recognize but is also one of the most powerful and important beings in Kwakiutl cosmology. It is believed that anyone who sees a Sisiutl will be turned to stone, and walking in the trail of slime that Sisiutl leaves in its wake entails certain doom. Having impervious skin that cannot be pierced, Sisiutl is the assistant of the war spirit Winalagilis, and it is believed that any warrior who can harness Sisiutl will be blessed with great powers.
This supernatural creature can transform itself into a number of other creatures, and can change its size at will. Those privileged to wear the Sisiutl as their crest are held in very high esteem, as they are afforded the protection and benevolence of the creature.
As a promising young artist at the age of 13, Trevor Hunt painstakingly learned the art of traditional form line design from his father, Stanley Clifford Hunt, and cousins, Tim Alfred and David Knox. Soon after, he began to sell his original paintings in Victoria, BC. Deciding he had mastered the art of painting and drawing, Trevor began to learn to carve.
Trevor prides himself on carving in the traditional form, while using his own style, which gives his work a unique interpretation and highly professional touch.
In 2010, in collaboration with his father, brother Jason, and cousins, Mervyn Child and Calvin Hunt, Trevor carved a massive 52ft totem pole his father was commissioned to undertake. This prestigious totem pole is now the center piece of Canada Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Trevor has traveled widely across North America undertaking art exhibitions and performing carving demonstrations. Destinations have included Friday Harbor and Seattle, Washington and Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. He regularly receives commissions for his work including European customers in Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Teaching the youth to carve and passing on his knowledge is very important to Trevor, so he takes time out to teach the children at the Wagulis School in Fort Rupert, as well as Fort Rupert Elementary. In 2011, he was asked to donate a drum design , which the school has adopted as their new logo.
Balancing life between his wife, four children, and his carving profession, has proved a great way for Trevor to spend his time, as it has been all about doing things that he loves and are close to his heart.
