Potlatch Puppet - Red Cedar Sculpture
Potlatch Puppet - Red Cedar Sculpture
41 1/2" x 18" x 8"
Some Northwest Coast Native peoples used wooden puppets for ceremonial purposes in their secret societies. This particular piece is represented in the style of Dead Man “Olala”, who is a mythical cannibal spirit in Haida culture. The puppet would be worn so that the body fits over the head of the wearer, and the piece looks as if it is floating – a dramatic and frightening effect. The puppet’s long arms and legs would dangle and mimic the movements of the dancer; as the dancer moved, rattling noises would be generated by the arms and feet colliding with one another. The head of the puppet was moved in such a way that the cut-out eyes and white teeth would glow in the light, creating a melodramatic effect.
Art Thompson
CULTURAL GROUP:
Nuu-chah-nulth (Ditidaht)
BORN:
1948 (d. 2003)
BIRTHPLACE:
Nitinaht Village of Whyac, BC
Art Thompson was largely a self-taught artist, but he did study with Nuu-chah-nulth artists Ron Hamilton and Joe David. From 1978 to 1981, he carved with Duane Pasco. Art studied commercial art at Camosun College in Victoria, BC, as well as at the Vancouver School of Art. He was greatly influenced by artists at the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art at 'Ksan in Hazelton, BC. Art produced many works including silkscreen prints, masks, totem poles, jewellery, bentwood boxes, and ceremonial puppets. His media included silver and gold, wood, deer hide, acrylic paint, and pastels. Sea creatures were one of his favourite subjects, and many of his print images were drawn from drum heads. The design Our Beginnings was created as the logo for the 1997 North American Indigenous Games. He is considered to be one of the great Nuu-chah-nulth artists of the 20th century. Art passed away in 2003.
