Bentwood Box School of Salmon Design 5" Tall Northwest Coast Native American

Description

This is a hand-made and hand-painted steam-bent box that measures 5" x 4 1/2" x 4 1/2". It depicts a 'School of Salmon' design by First Nations artist James Michels and is signed. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery.
Bentwood boxes are unique to the Northwest Coast First Nations peoples of British Columbia. Traditionally, bentwood boxes were used for symbolic and practical purposes. The large chests with elaborate designs were often presented to honored guests during feasts or potlatches. They were also used as burial boxes for ancestors. More simply designed boxes were used for storage of clothing and household items, for transporting goods, cooking and to display important carvings. The design represented the clans and showed the rank, social status, individual wealth and spiritual power of the owner. They also portrayed legends or events in history. These boxes were prized by families and passed down to succeeding generations. The ‘kerfing’ or bending form is made by selection of a thin, tight grained plank of red or yellow cedar. The wood is divided into four sections by carving a groove halfway through at the corners. The cedar plank is steamed, and then folded to form the four sides. The open ends are pegged together, the bottom piece is pegged to the side, and a lid is then tightly fitted over the top. The box is then carved and or painted.
James began his carving career in 1994, shortly after working at a log home company. He now specializes in making steam bent cedar boxes, and carving and painting them in Northwest Coast style. James also creates panels and works on commission, and many of his pieces contain inlays of abalone. One of his commissions involved the creation of custom bent boxes for the participants of the 2005 PGA Golf Skins Game in Whistler, BC. James apprenticed with Coast Salish artist Joe Campbell, with whom he learned design, carving and painting techniques. James also cites Carrier artist Larry Rosso as a source of inspiration. In July of 2008, James created a large bentwood box entitled ‘The Mendl Gathering’ which was commissioned through the Royal Bank of Canada. It measured 32” x 25” x 22” and contained abalone inlays and operculum shells. In 2013, James participated in Lattimer Gallery's 'Annual Charity Bentwood Box Event' wherein the sale of his box generated ,600.00 CAD, which was donated to Vancouver's Urban Native Youth Association. James is also one of the founding partners of the 'Annual Charity Bentwood Box Event'.
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