Isaac Tait was the son of Nisga’a master carver Norman Tait (see previous lot). Tragically, Isaac passed away too young, at just 35 years old. However, the body of work he left behind shows a strong affinity for his father’s realistic style and a fondness for hardwood carving, reinterpreted through his own innovative spirit. This highly sculptural Raven Frontlet by Isaac incorporates a wide range of materials, including inlaid abalone shells along the edge of the wings, hammered cedar bark and cedar bark rope, overlaid copper eyes, hide straps, and pegged-in horsehair. The headdress is carved with nods to his father’s realism, most evident in the handling of the Raven’s talons. While the sculptural features of the Raven are left bare, the two-dimensional elements are painted in red and black to emphasize his tight formline designs.

CWS