First Nations Art
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Thunderbird Transformation Mask
The work of Stan Wamiss from Gwa’yee, Kingcome Inlet, located in the international departure wing of Vancouver Airport The transformation mask is one of the most dramatic carvings of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. It depicts the inner and outer being. The dancer emerges from behind a dance screen with the mask in the closed position. As the dance proceeds, the dancer whirls about and the mask snaps open to reveal the inner being. The mask, carved from red cedar, presents Raven on the outside. Bak’was, the wild man of the woods, appears within.
A huge Orca statue greets one at the entrance to the Stanley Park Aquarium. It is titled Chief of the Undersea World and world famous aboriginal artist Bill Reid gets the credit for its artistry.
Moon Mask - Enlightened Pathways
Stunning 28" Moon Mask "Enlightened Pathways" by Klatle-bhi (Kwakwaka'wakw). Westcoast native design, red cedar, acrylic paint and wash.
YVR First Nations Art - War Canoe & Hetux
This is one of many displays of First Nations art on permanent display at the Vancouver International Airport. I have always been attracted the use of colour and graphic shapes so skilfully rendered in their totems, masks, and decorative items. Located in the US arrivals corridor, entitled, Pacific Passage, Hetux by Connie Watt, is a multicoloured thunderbird with a 21-foot wingspan—the keeper of the sky. A cedar whaling canoe by Tim Paul sits majestically in the water, paddles up.
See previous photo.
This totem stands in the village of Hartley Bay on the west cost of B.C. Some 90K south of Prince Rupert. The village is rather isolated with no land roads connecting to it. Access is either by float plane or boat.
This collection of totems (nine in total) began in the 1920's. This is representative of the beautiful skilled art of the First Nation peoples of coastal British Columbia. Located at Brockton Point in Stanley Park, this display is claimed to be the number one tourist attraction within Stanley Park.
Thunderbird Transformation Mask
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