Roy Hanuse, Sea Bear with Octopus Mask, c. 1980s
Roy James Hanuse (1943-2007) was a Kwakwaka'wakw artist who created artwork for Expo 67 and the Montreal Olympics. He is also a totem pole carver and received training from the incomparable Doug Cranmer.
In this block print, Hanuse depicts the sea bear, a creature from Indigenous mythology that connects land and sea (in some traditions, it represents the ability of orcas to transform into bears on land). The sea bear holds an octopus mask. In Kwakwaka’wakw oral traditions, the octopus is associated with transformation, intelligence, power, and resourcefulness.
What we love about it: the pose of the bear holding the mask, as though in the act of putting it on.
This object is in excellent condition and is offered framed or unframed. It bears authentication stamps and is signed and numbered in pencil. Note that detailed condition reports are available for all artworks on request.
Dimensions: 40.5 x 31 cm framed; 32.5 x 25 cm unframed
Note: As settlers, we do not believe in profiting off of the work of Indigenous artists. When you purchase this artwork, 100% of what you pay will be donated to Indigenous-run organizations. See our FAQ's for more information.
Roy James Hanuse (1943-2007) was a Kwakwaka'wakw artist who created artwork for Expo 67 and the Montreal Olympics. He is also a totem pole carver and received training from the incomparable Doug Cranmer.
In this block print, Hanuse depicts the sea bear, a creature from Indigenous mythology that connects land and sea (in some traditions, it represents the ability of orcas to transform into bears on land). The sea bear holds an octopus mask. In Kwakwaka’wakw oral traditions, the octopus is associated with transformation, intelligence, power, and resourcefulness.
What we love about it: the pose of the bear holding the mask, as though in the act of putting it on.
This object is in excellent condition and is offered framed or unframed. It bears authentication stamps and is signed and numbered in pencil. Note that detailed condition reports are available for all artworks on request.
Dimensions: 40.5 x 31 cm framed; 32.5 x 25 cm unframed
Note: As settlers, we do not believe in profiting off of the work of Indigenous artists. When you purchase this artwork, 100% of what you pay will be donated to Indigenous-run organizations. See our FAQ's for more information.
Roy James Hanuse (1943-2007) was a Kwakwaka'wakw artist who created artwork for Expo 67 and the Montreal Olympics. He is also a totem pole carver and received training from the incomparable Doug Cranmer.
In this block print, Hanuse depicts the sea bear, a creature from Indigenous mythology that connects land and sea (in some traditions, it represents the ability of orcas to transform into bears on land). The sea bear holds an octopus mask. In Kwakwaka’wakw oral traditions, the octopus is associated with transformation, intelligence, power, and resourcefulness.
What we love about it: the pose of the bear holding the mask, as though in the act of putting it on.
This object is in excellent condition and is offered framed or unframed. It bears authentication stamps and is signed and numbered in pencil. Note that detailed condition reports are available for all artworks on request.
Dimensions: 40.5 x 31 cm framed; 32.5 x 25 cm unframed
Note: As settlers, we do not believe in profiting off of the work of Indigenous artists. When you purchase this artwork, 100% of what you pay will be donated to Indigenous-run organizations. See our FAQ's for more information.
