Lewis Park Poles

Date2002

Maker Calvin Hunt (Tlasutiwalis) First Nations, Kwakwaka’wakw, Kwagiulth/Nuu-chah-nulth, born 1956

Label TextAccording to renowned carver Calvin Hunt, Kwakwaka'wakw totem poles communicate a family's history by bearing the family crests-supernatural creatures or ancestors-passed down from mythical times, which all descendants have the right to use. This print was executed to commemorate replica poles carved by Calvin (assisted by Mervyn Child and John Livingston) to replace poles made by his grandfather Mungo Martin, in 1957, in Courtenay, B.C. Mungo's poles were adapted replicas of yet older works believed to have been carved in 1927 by Chief Joe Wallace. Mungo, a master of several Kwakwaka'wakw styles, had been hired by the Provincial Museum in Victoria to restore and replicate old poles in their collection. Represented, from top to bottom, are: thunderbird, sisiutl, who appears with both human and animal heads, and a copper with a whale design on its surface.

Object number2009.5.30

ProvenancePacific Editions auction, Victoria, 2003

Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann

Credit LineGift of Simon Ottenberg

Dimensions15 1/2 x 13 in. (39.4 x 33 cm)

MediumSilkscreen print