Norman Tait facts for kids

Carving in Bushy Park, London, UK

Norman Tait (May 20, 1941 – May 21, 2016) was an important Nisga'a Indigenous artist. He was a famous sculptor and a master carver of totem poles. Norman Tait came from northwestern British Columbia, Canada.

Early Life and Family

Norman Tait was born in a place called Kincolith (Gingolx). This village is located on the Nass River in British Columbia. His father, Josiah Tait, was also a carver. His great-grandfather was a respected leader named Chief Alfred Watson Mountain.

Norman's brothers, Alver and Robert "Chip" Tait, were also skilled woodcarvers. His son, Isaac, continues the family tradition today.

Norman Tait was part of the House of Luuya'as. This is a family group within the Laxsgiik (Eagle clan). He held special family titles like Na'ax-lax and Gawaakhl. Another one of his titles was Naawootkw Lik'inskw lax galts'ap. This means "Grizzly Bear Coming onto the Village."

As a young person, Tait went to a residential school in Alberta. Later, he finished high school in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

Becoming a Master Carver

Totem at Vancouver Education College

Norman Tait started carving in 1970. At that time, there were no living Nisga'a master carvers he could learn from. So, he studied old Nisga'a artworks to learn their styles.

He worked with his father to create a special totem pole. This was the first Nisga'a totem pole raised in over 50 years! Later, he learned from skilled Haida carvers, Freda Diesing and Gerry Marks.

During his career, Tait carved 39 totem poles. Many of these amazing poles stand in British Columbia. You can find them in places like Port Edward, Lax Kw'alaams, and Alert Bay.

Five of his poles are in Vancouver. These include poles at the University of British Columbia, Stanley Park, Capilano Mall, and the Native Education Centre.

Famous Totem Poles

One of his most famous works is the The Story of Big Beaver totem pole. This huge pole is about 55 feet (16.7 meters) tall. It was put up in 1982 at the entrance to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

In 1992, Tait raised a totem pole in Bushy Park in London, England. He also carved a totem pole for the opening of the Nisga'a Lisims Government building. This building is in New Aiyansh, BC. The pole is called "Goothl Lisims," which means "the heart of the Nass."

Norman Tait's totem poles can also be found in Osaka, Japan, and Germany. Many are also part of private art collections around the world.

Artistic Style and Exhibitions

In 1977, Norman Tait had a big moment in his career. The UBC Museum of Anthropology held a special show just for his art. It featured 125 of his works. At that time, it was rare for an Indigenous carver to have a solo exhibition. Usually, their work was shown in group exhibits.

Tait was known for his realistic and detailed carvings. He also created unique moon masks, two-dimensional doors, and beautiful jewellery.

He worked closely with his carving partner, Lucinda Turner. He started teaching her in 1991. They worked together on many projects, including two large art pieces for the Vancouver Stock Exchange. They also opened their own art gallery called Wilp's Tsaak Gallery: House of the Mischievous Man in West Vancouver.

In 2015, the West Vancouver Museum held a special show looking back at all of Tait's work. This was his first solo exhibition since that important show in 1977.