Tony Hunt Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chief Tony Hunt Sr.
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| Born | 24 August 1942 |
| Died | 15 December 2017 (aged 75) Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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| Nationality | Kwakwaka'wakw (Canadian) |
| Awards | Order of British Columbia (2010) |
Tony Hunt Sr. (born August 24, 1942 – died December 15, 2017) was a famous Canadian First Nations artist. He was known for his special KwaGulth style of paintings. He also carved amazing totem poles from large cedar logs.
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Early Life of Tony Hunt
Tony Hunt was born in 1942 in Alert Bay, British Columbia. This is a community of the Kwakwaka'wakw people. He was the oldest of six sons. His parents were Henry Hunt and Helen Hunt.
Learning from Family
Tony learned a lot about art from his family. His maternal grandfather, Mungo Martin, taught him when he was young. Tony was also a hereditary chief of the Kwakwaka'wakw through his mother's side of the family.
His father, Henry Hunt, was also a professional woodcarver. Tony and his brothers followed in their family's artistic footsteps. They are also related to George Hunt, a famous researcher. George collected many Kwakwaka'wakw artworks. These were shown at a big exhibition in Chicago in 1893.
Tony Hunt's Art Career
After his grandfather Mungo Martin passed away in 1962, Tony became an assistant carver. He worked with his father, Henry Hunt, at Thunderbird Park in Victoria, B.C.. Tony's younger brothers, Richard Hunt and Stanley C. Hunt, also became professional carvers.
Opening His Own Gallery
In 1970, Tony Hunt opened his own art gallery. It was called the Arts of the Raven Gallery. You can find it in Victoria.
Creating the Kwanusila Totem Pole
In 1984, a company called Kraft Foods, Inc. asked Tony Hunt to carve a new totem pole. This new pole was named Kwanusila, which means Thunderbird. It was a replacement for an older Kwakwaka'wakw pole. That original pole was given to the city of Chicago in 1929.
The first pole had been in a public park by Lake Michigan. Over many years, the weather and even some damage had worn it down. People realized how important this old pole was. So, it was sent to a museum in British Columbia to be protected and studied. Tony Hunt's new Kwanusila totem pole now stands proudly in the lakeside park.
Later Life and Honors
Chief Tony Hunt passed away on December 15, 2017. He died in Campbell River.
Awards and Recognition
Tony Hunt was recognized for his amazing work. In 2010, he received the Order of British Columbia. This is a very special award that honors people who have done great things for British Columbia.
