Nuhlmal (Fool) Mask by Joseph Wilson, Coast Salish

Nuhlmal (Fool) Mask, 1998by Joseph Wilson, Coast Salish First Nationred cedar, cedar bark15” high x 10” wide x 10” deep Joe Wilson is a Coast Salish artist who was born in 1967, and raised at Koksilah near the small city of Duncan on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. His keen interest in native art began at the tender age of 12 whilst watching his stepfather, Johnny Sampson, design and carve beautiful native artworks. However, fierce competition with his younger brother, Rick, motivated Joe to take his artistry seriously: “That’s when I frustratingly started really applying myself. Even back then I had it in my heart to be one of the best out there in our field [Coast Salish Territory] and I did it.” At the young age of 17, Joe began producing and marketing his various Aboriginal paintings and carvings within the local region. Since then, he has apprenticed under master carvers such as the late Simon Charlie and Coast Salish artist Charles Elliott, and studied under Nuu-Chah-Nulth ma