Grizzly Bear Wooden Totem Head Carving by Kwakuitl Indian Godfrey Hunt

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This wooden grizzly bear head carving by Godfrey Hunt, of the First Nations Kwakiutl Indian tribe from Vancouver Island, British … Read more This wooden grizzly bear head carving by Godfrey Hunt, of the First Nations Kwakiutl Indian tribe from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, is signed and done in a traditional totem style. Unpainted with its original dark wood stain, it retains its original eye hook and waxed cord mounting hardware for wall display, and sits sturdily on a shelf or mantle as well. Similar depictions of bear heads in Kwakiutl totems can be found in museums and personal collections.

Godfrey Hunt (1917-1987) was employed by the Province of British Columbia and the Royal BC Museum to assist in the restoration of totem poles for the Victoria Thunderbird Park Project. After this apprenticeship under Mungo Martin (Kwakiutl Chief) and Henry Hunt (his uncle), Godfrey carved several totem poles, including one alongside William Jeffrey (Tsimshian Chief) and Lloyd Walthams Sr., for the Burnaby, BC Mountain Park in 1971.

The Grizzly bear is an important symbol of strength, power, and leadership in the Kwakiutl culture. Prominent in their origin stories and ceremonies, it is also associated with healing, family, and wisdom. See less