Detailed Description of Tsimshian Artist Ed Bryant’s Carving

Overview

Ed Bryant, a talented Tsimshian artist, has crafted an exquisite halibut hook from alder. This unique piece features a killer whale motif with paua shell inlaid in its eyes, adding a touch of shimmering elegance. Additionally, Bryant made the hook itself from deer bone, thereby showcasing his versatility with different materials.

• Dimensions:
  • Length: 11 inches
  • Height: 8 inches
  • Width: 2 inches
• Price: $675

Artist Background

Ed Bryant was born in Lax Kw Arms, a small native village on the Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Throughout his artistic journey, he has worked with various mediums, including alder, bone, ivory, silver, and copper. Furthermore, Ed shares a family connection in the art world as the half-brother of Henry Green.

Significance of Northwest Coast Carvings

Northwest Coast wood carvings hold deep cultural and ceremonial significance. These art forms, such as totem poles, masks, bowls, rattles, paddles, and plaques, play integral roles in the traditions of numerous Native nations.

• Totem Poles:
  • People raise these poles as memorials to important ancestors, events, or histories.
  • They feature animal and bird crests significant to the family, often depicting the origins of the family history.
  • Consequently, communities erect them to be visible, thus serving as markers of heritage and pride.
• Masks:
  • Carvers create masks to represent various forms of life in both the real and spiritual worlds.
  • Common themes include animals, sea creatures, birds, humans, and spirits.
  • Moreover, shamans use them to influence spiritual helpers and ward off harmful spirits.
  • Additionally, people often display them in houses as protective symbols.

Availability and Use

Tribal Crafts offers a range of Northwest Coast items, including masks, bowls, totem poles, halibut hooks, and fine spruce root Haida basketry. Many of these items are actively used in traditional ceremonies, thereby maintaining their cultural relevance and importance.

For more detailed information about Northwest Coast carving traditions, refer to Schiffer Books.

Sources for Purchase and Further Information

To explore and purchase similar pieces, visit Tribal Crafts, where you can find a variety of traditional Northwest Coast items.

In conclusion, this description highlights Ed Bryant’s intricate craftsmanship and the cultural significance of his work within the broader context of Northwest Coast art traditions.