48" Killer Whale Paddle

Tim Alfred, born in 1967 in Alert Bay, BC, moved to Fort Rupert in 1985. His heritage spans the Kwakiutl (Fort Rupert), Namgis (Alert Bay), Mumtagila (Etsekin and area), Mamaleleqala (Village Island), and Tlowitsis (Turnour Island) peoples. At a memorial potlatch for his brother in 1989, his mother’s family appointed him as Chief at the Big House in Alert Bay, giving him the name "Mus-cum-tsi," symbolizing the four clans of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation. Tim began carving in the renowned Kwakiutl style at age 20, learning mainly from Stanley Hunt, with influences from Wayne Alfred, Beau Dick, and Calvin Hunt. As a young artist, he mastered techniques to make bentwood boxes, plank cedar trees, carve masks, paddles, model canoes, and create regalia for traditional use in the Big House. His projects include making two drums and twenty paddles for Fort Rupert Elementary School in 1998, as well as charity work for memorial trophies and fundraising events, including the Big House reconstruction auction. His work is sold in galleries and museums such as those in Alert Bay and the Royal British Museum in Victoria. Recently, he collaborated on totem poles for the Kwakiutl Band day care project in Fort Rupert with Calvin Hunt, Mervin Child, and David Knox.

A stunning 48-inch red cedar killer whale paddle, exquisitely carved and masterfully executed, showcasing intricate details and exceptional craftsmanship. This captivating piece embodies the profound symbolism of the killer whale, merging them into a harmonious and powerful artistic expression that radiates beauty and cultural significance.