#76 • Dzawada'enuxw Crooked Beak Mask – Stan Hunt III
Part of June 2026 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)
High bid $3,800.00
Status: Sold
Category: Ethnographic Objects
A large Dzawada'enuxw Crooked Beak mask by Kwakwaka'wakw master carver Stan Hunt III (1958–2011), signed and dated 1991 on the interior. A member of the renowned Hunt family of artists, Hunt executed the work in the distinctive style associated with the Dzawada'enuxw people of Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia, depicting the supernatural Crooked Beak bird (Galugadza'yi), one of the most recognizable beings within the Hamatsa ceremonial tradition and a celebrated subject of Northwest Coast carving. Skillfully carved from red cedar, the mask is distinguished by its elegantly elongated articulated beak and dramatic spiral projections, creating a bold silhouette that immediately commands attention. Rather than relying solely on the traditional black, red, and white palette, Hunt employed rich emerald green formline elements that lend the composition a distinctive visual character while remaining firmly rooted in established Kwakwaka'wakw design principles. Crisp black and white detailing and deep red accents further animate the carving, producing a striking balance of color, form, and negative space. The interior is lined with braided cedar bark, while an impressive cascade of cedar bark tassels extends beneath the mask, enhancing its movement and reinforcing the dynamic quality for which Crooked Beak forms are renowned. Every element reflects the confident line quality, disciplined formline composition, and refined craftsmanship that have made the Hunt family synonymous with the highest standards of contemporary Northwest Coast art. Stan Hunt III devoted his career to preserving and advancing traditional Kwakwaka'wakw carving through masks, poles, regalia, and ceremonial works recognized for their technical excellence and fidelity to ancestral design. Descended from one of the Northwest Coast's most influential artistic lineages, his carvings are represented in numerous public and private collections and remain highly sought after by collectors of Indigenous and Northwest Coast art. Measuring approximately 29 inches wide by 9 inches deep by 13.5 inches high, with cedar bark tassels extending approximately 44 inches, the present mask possesses an impressive sculptural presence while showcasing one of Stan Hunt III's most visually distinctive interpretations of the Crooked Beak tradition. Provenance: Consigned directly by the Bruce Beasley Foundation, established by internationally acclaimed American sculptor Bruce Beasley (b. 1939), whose works are represented in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and numerous other institutions worldwide. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing the appreciation and study of sculpture and three-dimensional art. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this lot will be donated to the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations Primary Care Centre, supporting healthcare and community wellness initiatives for Kwakwaka'wakw communities. Note Regarding Shipping Services: This item is exceptionally large and/or heavy, and may require custom boxing or crating depending on the intended destination and available carrier services. For more information prior to bidding, please email us at Shipping@AlaskaPremierAuctions.com or call/text us at 907.570.7050.
