-
Artworks
JACK JAMES (c. 1902-1980) KWAKWA̱KA̱ʼWAKW
Opposing Dzunuḵ̓wa Model Feast Bowl, c. 1950-1960scedar wood and paint, 16 x 24 x 10.75 in (40.6 x 61 x 27.3 cm)
unsigned.LOT 43
ESTIMATE: $7,000 — $10,000Further images
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 1
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 2
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 3
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 4
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 5
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 6
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 7
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 8
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 9
)
-
(View a larger image of thumbnail 10
)
Jack James was a versatile Kwakwaka’wakw artist from Gilford Island, BC, primarily known for his masks and complex model poles. He also occasionally made cut-out plaques and figural feast dishes,...Jack James was a versatile Kwakwaka’wakw artist from Gilford Island, BC, primarily known for his masks and complex model poles. He also occasionally made cut-out plaques and figural feast dishes, such as this one. Although James’s work often incorporates a white ground colour [1], which has drawn comparisons to artists such as Willie Seaweed (c. 1873-1967) and Henry Speck (1908-1971), he also created works that were only minimally painted (or unpainted altogether) and that emphasized his sculpting ability.
This model dish is based on a monumental feast bowl now in the collection of the Museum of Anthropology at UBC (MOA) [2]. According to the MOA catalogue entry, the original bowl was created in 1910 by Herbert Johnson (1896-1953) and transferred as a dowry from Gilford Island to Kingcome Inlet, so this is an object that James would be familiar with. As with the monumental dish, James’s model features the striking image of two seated Dzunukwa opposing one another, with their feet and hands touching. James has sculpted the Dzunukwa’s faces to emphasize their large ears, strong features, and characteristically pursed lips. In a show of artistic restraint, James minimally painted the faces of these figures in red and black, to great effect. The heads of the Dzunukwa turn and can be positioned as the viewer wishes.
1. See Lots 44 and 45, this sale.
2. See Feast Dish (MOA object A4492) for more information and photos.
CWS
Provenance
Bob Martineau, Simoom Sound, BC;
Acquired from the above by a former curator at the Glenbow Museum, Calgary, c. 1960;
by descent in the family. -
(View a larger image of thumbnail 1
)
Join Our Mailing List
Join our mailing list
* denotes required fields
We will process the personal data you have supplied in accordance with our privacy policy (available on request). You can unsubscribe or change your preferences at any time by clicking the link in our emails.