There are many non-natives creating native artwork who do not understand, or choose to ignore, the fact that the creating authentic native artwork involves years to understand the intricacies of what is involved, the stories, the subtleties of creating a piece of artwork and doing it the way it should be done. There are many artists out there who haven't taken the time to learn the discipline of the fundamentals and structure of Northwest Coast Native art. Years learning from masters who in turn have taken the time to learn from past masters themselves.
A good example is the fact that totem poles were created solely on the Northwest Coast. The simple fact that you find people who will offer to do you a pole from Minnesota or wherever just goes to emphasize the point that these are not authentic. When you purchase a pole or artwork from a Northwest Coast native artist you are paying more than for the artwork but also for the years dedicated to learning how to do it properly.
A couple of good indicators to watch out for are the ones that say "......style" or "......influenced by". Usually you can bet that these are not native artists and most likely you will be receiving an inferior product.
Another concern that I have beside the lack of artistic integrity, is the lack of cultural integrity. There are many different cultural styles in British Columbia, each with it's own distinct language, culture and art style. When purchasing a piece of Kwakwaka'wakw art please take the time to see if the artist is also from the area that they claim the works style is and if purchasing from a gallery please take the time to check with the owner to ensure authenticity.
The art of the Kwakwaka'wakw is powerful and innovative and has been copied by many artists who do not have the training, rights or privileges to do so. Protocol should be followed at all times, the way it has been for eons.
I hope that this will assist you in finding and purchasing authentic artwork created by the artists who are dedicated in sharing their culture with the world.
A good example is the fact that totem poles were created solely on the Northwest Coast. The simple fact that you find people who will offer to do you a pole from Minnesota or wherever just goes to emphasize the point that these are not authentic. When you purchase a pole or artwork from a Northwest Coast native artist you are paying more than for the artwork but also for the years dedicated to learning how to do it properly.
A couple of good indicators to watch out for are the ones that say "......style" or "......influenced by". Usually you can bet that these are not native artists and most likely you will be receiving an inferior product.
Another concern that I have beside the lack of artistic integrity, is the lack of cultural integrity. There are many different cultural styles in British Columbia, each with it's own distinct language, culture and art style. When purchasing a piece of Kwakwaka'wakw art please take the time to see if the artist is also from the area that they claim the works style is and if purchasing from a gallery please take the time to check with the owner to ensure authenticity.
The art of the Kwakwaka'wakw is powerful and innovative and has been copied by many artists who do not have the training, rights or privileges to do so. Protocol should be followed at all times, the way it has been for eons.
I hope that this will assist you in finding and purchasing authentic artwork created by the artists who are dedicated in sharing their culture with the world.
Thunderbird Sisiutl pole made by Harold Alfred
to celebrate U'mista's 10th Anniversary
to celebrate U'mista's 10th Anniversary
Ordering Custom Kwakwaka'wakw Totem Poles
Pricing, depends on the following factors; size, diameter, the amount of detailing involved
Quality & Reliability
Once design and details are worked out
* 25 % when roughed out (photos provided)
* 25 % when detail work is started
* Final 25 % plus shipping when shipped
Ordering Information
* 25 % down at start plus cost of log
Totem pole carving is an art form unique to the Northwest Coast of British Columbia and in particular 'Yalis (Alert Bay) and is dynamic, powerful and dramatic
Typically , Kwakwaka'wakw poles are carved of western red cedar, textured with the adze, and painted in traditional colours of black, red, green, brown, yellow, gray and sometimes white washed first. Any appendages on a Northwest Coast totem pole, such as the Thunderbird's wings and horns, Raven's wings and ears, Killer whale's dorsal fin, Welcome Figure's outstretched arms, a bird's beak, are added on
House Frontal Poles - poles which stood against the front of the house
Memorial Poles - placed in front of the home to honour loved ones who have passed on
Grave Markers - Poles which were placed to mark where a person was buried
Welcome figures - with outstretched arms, welcoming visitors to your home
Commemorative Poles - marking special occasions or dedications
Typically , Kwakwaka'wakw poles are carved of western red cedar, textured with the adze, and painted in traditional colours of black, red, green, brown, yellow, gray and sometimes white washed first. Any appendages on a Northwest Coast totem pole, such as the Thunderbird's wings and horns, Raven's wings and ears, Killer whale's dorsal fin, Welcome Figure's outstretched arms, a bird's beak, are added on
The different types of poles include:
House Posts - poles which supported the main beam inside of a houseHouse Frontal Poles - poles which stood against the front of the house
Memorial Poles - placed in front of the home to honour loved ones who have passed on
Grave Markers - Poles which were placed to mark where a person was buried
Welcome figures - with outstretched arms, welcoming visitors to your home
Commemorative Poles - marking special occasions or dedications
A high percentage of commissions are custom ordered, due to
The size and height are largely based on where the pole will sit,
either indoors or outdoors, and what kind of setting - will it be in a
park, or in your backyard.
Poles usually bear images of humans, birds, (Eagle, Raven,
Thunderbird), or creatures from the sea, (Whale, Sea Otter, Seal,
sea urchin, Salmon), or the forest (Frog, Bukwas, Dzunukwa, Bear).
There can be any number of figures on one pole, depending on
the type of pole you choose, what the pole is intended to do, and
where it will stand.
The size and height are largely based on where the pole will sit,
either indoors or outdoors, and what kind of setting - will it be in a
park, or in your backyard.
Poles usually bear images of humans, birds, (Eagle, Raven,
Thunderbird), or creatures from the sea, (Whale, Sea Otter, Seal,
sea urchin, Salmon), or the forest (Frog, Bukwas, Dzunukwa, Bear).
There can be any number of figures on one pole, depending on
the type of pole you choose, what the pole is intended to do, and
where it will stand.
a) height,
b) size in diameter,
c) number of figures (depending on height) and
d) crating and shipping.
b) size in diameter,
c) number of figures (depending on height) and
d) crating and shipping.
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~Northwest coast Native American Indian art Harold Alfred, cousin of Corrine Hunt, designer of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic medals, Santa Claus, North Pole, Kwakwaka'wakw artist from Alert Bay, wedding bands, rings, watchbands, bracelets, necklaces, totem poles, pole, pendants, brooches, money clips, cuff links, birthstones, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, pearls, custom works, commitment rings, Namgis, Kt, gold, sterling silver, Canada, John Livingston, Canadian, jewlery, jewellery, jewelry, not Haida, Kwakiut, abalone, birthstones, coppers, Victoria, B.C. British Columbia, Aboriginal,
Sun, Moon, Killer Whale, Frog, Cormorant, Owl, Wolf,
Eagle, Beau Dick, Orca, Sisiutl, Double headed serpent, Wayne Alfred,
Salmon, Raven, Salmon, Thunderbird, Bruce Alfred, Hawk, Beaver, Heron,
Bear, Hummingbird, Tsonoqua, Bill Holm, Wild Woman, Bukwus, Devil fish, Halibut, Dolphin, Tony Hunt, Loon, Chief's Raven rattle, Bear, Wolf, Calvin Hunt, Kolus, Loon, Swan, Bumblebee, Soul catcher,
otter, Rande Cook, octopus, Seal, Sea Lion, Kolus, Qulus,Klatle Bhi, Spirit Bear, Grizzly Bear, Susan Point, Cougar, urchin, friendship,
butterfly, Robert Davidson, canoe, paddle, Cormorant, Hox Hox, Bill Reid,
Sun, Moon, Killer Whale, Frog, Cormorant, Owl, Wolf,
Eagle, Beau Dick, Orca, Sisiutl, Double headed serpent, Wayne Alfred,
Salmon, Raven, Salmon, Thunderbird, Bruce Alfred, Hawk, Beaver, Heron,
Bear, Hummingbird, Tsonoqua, Bill Holm, Wild Woman, Bukwus, Devil fish, Halibut, Dolphin, Tony Hunt, Loon, Chief's Raven rattle, Bear, Wolf, Calvin Hunt, Kolus, Loon, Swan, Bumblebee, Soul catcher,
otter, Rande Cook, octopus, Seal, Sea Lion, Kolus, Qulus,Klatle Bhi, Spirit Bear, Grizzly Bear, Susan Point, Cougar, urchin, friendship,
butterfly, Robert Davidson, canoe, paddle, Cormorant, Hox Hox, Bill Reid,
Raven Pole by Harold Alfred
~ W i l l S h i p W o r l d w i d e ~
Copyright Harold Alfred All rights reserved 2009 - 2010
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