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Artworks
RUFUS MOODY, C.M. (1923-1998) SKIDEGATE, B.C.
Model Totem Pole, 1961argillite, 10.5 x 3.75 x 3.5 in (26.7 x 9.5 x 8.9 cm)
inscribed, signed, and further inscribed, "Carved By / Rufus Moody / Skidegate / Mission / Q.C.I., B.C.";
inscribed in an unknown hand, "[4?]70-07-5261";
inscribed in an unknown hand, W.J. CROZE JR. / 11_61."
LOT 124
ESTIMATE: $3,000 — $5,000
PRICE REALIZED: $2,464.00Further images
Born in Skidegate, Rufus Moody was the son of Arthur Moody (1885-1967) and the grandson of Thomas Moody (d. 1947). Both of these men were famous argillite carvers. Rufus Moody...Born in Skidegate, Rufus Moody was the son of Arthur Moody (1885-1967) and the grandson of Thomas Moody (d. 1947). Both of these men were famous argillite carvers. Rufus Moody was a prolific carver but is also renowned for having created the tallest argillite totem pole in the world; it is approximately six feet tall and is displayed in the UBC Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. Rufus Moody received the Order of Canada in 1976 for his achievements as an artist and his efforts to train young people to carve. This fine pole depicts an Eagle atop a Raven holding a plaque in its mouth engraved with a Fish, seated atop a Beaver holding a chew stick. The totemic figures sit atop a base carved with Rufus Moody’s trademark notched corners.
References: For similar works by Rufus Moody see Leslie Drew and Douglas Wilson, Argillite: Art of the Haida (Vancouver: Hancock House, 1980), p. 255. See also Carol Sheehan, Pipes that won’t Smoke: Coal that won’t Burn: Haida Sculpture in Argillite (Calgary: Glenbow Museum, 1981), p. 182
Provenance
A Vancouver Collection.
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