Tim Paul is a Hesquiaht artist from Esperanza Inlet, BC, and, as mentioned in the previous Lot 54, is credited with helping revive and popularize customary Nuu-chah-nulth art styles. Paul studied carving at Arts of the Raven with John Livingston (see lots 46 and 47) and was Senior Carver at Thunderbird Park in Victoria, BC, from 1984 to 1992.

This mask is carved and painted in a classic Nuu-chah-nulth style that recalls the best historic whaling masks. Similar to the previous Joe David example, it features a two-dimensional design that embraces asymmetry with bars, banding, diagonal U-forms, and idiosyncratic shapes and lines that may represent water or other natural elements. The mask also has kinetic rolling eyes controlled by strings at the back and is framed by synthetic hair and bundles of hammered cedar bark.

CWS