Bruce Alfred is a Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw ('Na̱mg̱is) artist, born in Alert Bay and deeply rooted in traditional practices. He was introduced to the art of steam-bent wood boxes and chests by world-renowned artist Doug Cranmer, and his work is now prized by collectors locally and internationally. His bentwood boxes have been exhibited at the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Museum of Anthropology, and in 2008 he was honoured by the BC Achievement Foundation for his outstanding artistic contributions.
Bentwood boxes are one of the most technically demanding art forms in Northwest Coast tradition - crafted from a single cedar board, bent at three corners and joined to create a watertight vessel. Each one is a testament to skill, patience, and cultural knowledge passed down through generations.
Approximately: 33.5x34x44.5cm