Bear, Salmon, and Hawk - Argillite Pole
Rufus Moody
CULTURAL GROUP:
Haida
BORN:
1923 (d. 1998)
BIRTHPLACE:
Skidegate, Haida Gwaii
Rufus Moody belonged to the Tanu Wolf Clan. He trained with his father, Arthur Moody, and was the grandson of early argillite carver, Thomas Moody. He was the uncle of Haida jeweller and carver, Garner Moody. In addition to being known as one of the most prolific argillite carvers of the twentieth century, Rufus was very well-known for teaching younger artists to carve argillite. He taught artists such as Guujaaw and Wayne Wilson. Rufus produced the tallest argillite pole in the world, which stands 6-feet tall, and is housed in Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology. He also has a massive argillite pole in the Queen Charlotte Museum in Skidegate. Rufus received the Order of Canada in 1976 for his role as an established argillite carver and a teacher of the Arts. Rufus passed away in 1998.
