John Henderson Northwest Coast Native Indian Large Sun Ray Copper - 65 Diameter

Description

Highly Acclaimed Artist Chief John Henderson
The Stunning Sun Ray Mask spans over 5 feet, 5  inches in Diameter.
The Rays detach for shipping.
65" Diameter
COPPER SUN RAY MASK
The Sun is identified with its long rays and usually has the face of the hawk with its re-curved beak touching its mouth. The Sun Chief is the provider of healing energy and life, put into the sky by Raven. The rays are means of our travel between.
Sun stands as a symbol of life and creative power.
Many Coast Salish natives considered Day, Daylight, or Sky to be the supreme supernatural entity. Sun could appear to an individual disguised in human or animal form and bestow Great Spirit power.
The rays may be shown in the shape of hands,
which expresses the creative and benevolent nature of Sun.
Sometimes the
Sun is associated with copper or Coppers, and may feature copper decorative
elements. The color of copper symbolizes wealth.
Coppers themselves may symbolize light, salmon, resurrection, sky, sea or the undersea world.
The Sun appears often in Northwest Coast art and features prominently in myths, often acting as a benevolent spirit guide. Sun is often, but not always, depicted as masculine in nature.
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Artist Profile
Artist :
John Henderson
Tribal Affiliation:
Kwakiutl
Birthplace:
Campbell River
Birthdate:
1955
John Henderson is one of 17 children of the late master carver Sam Henderson.  He learned his craft from he renowned father and many brothers.
John, acting chief of the Weiwaikum Band of the Kwakw
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’wakw Nation is located in Campbell River, British Columbia.
The chiefs seat represents the legacy John’s father left to him and his family.  The designs that are carved on the seat are:  John’s givin crest, the Eagle, the Campbell River Band crest, the Sisuilt, and the late Sam Henderson’s givin crest, the Killerwhale.  The indian names that John holds belonged to his father and Chief Dan Henderson.  These were passed on to him at a memorial Potlach held for his mother in the late 1970’s.
The Deschutes Gallery was proud to represent the work of this talented artist.