Frederick Alexcee facts for kids
Frederick Alexcee (born 1853 – died in the 1940s) was a talented Canadian carver and painter. He was from the Tsimshian people, living in the community of Lax Kw'alaams.
About Frederick Alexcee
Frederick Alexcee was born in 1853 in a place called Fort Simpson, which is now known as Lax Kw'alaams. His last name is sometimes spelled Alexie or Alexee.
His father was from the Iroquois people in eastern Canada. He worked for the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Simpson. Alexcee's mother was Tsimshian from the Giluts'aaw tribe. This tribe was one of the "Nine Tribes" living near the lower Skeena River.
The Tsimshian people have a special system where family lines follow the mother. So, Frederick Alexcee was part of his mother's Giluts'aaw tribe. He also belonged to the Gispwudwada (Killerwhale clan). His Tsimshian name was 'Wiiksmwan, which means Great Deer Woman.
His Art and Training
Alexcee was trained as a halaayt carver. This term refers to special carving skills often connected to spiritual practices used by chiefs. He created naxnox (spirit) items and things for important ceremonies. At that time, missionaries in Lax Kw'alaams were trying to stop these traditional practices.
Alexcee also carved for people who wanted to buy "Indian curiosities." These were art pieces sold to visitors. He also made paintings and drawings that showed traditional life in Port Simpson. In 1927, two of his paintings were shown at the National Gallery of Canada.
He carved human figures to decorate a special bowl used for baptisms in the Methodist church in Port Simpson.
He passed away sometime in the 1940s.
Where to See His Art
You can find Frederick Alexcee's artworks in several museums:
- The University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology
- The Museum of Northern British Columbia in Prince Rupert
- The New Westminster Museum and Archives
- The Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria
- The Wellcome Collection in London, England
