Owl, 1991 by Mark Henderson (1953-2016), Kwakwaka'wakw

Owl, 1991 by Mark Henderson (1953-2016), Kwakwaka'wakwsilkscreen print, edition 73/11525.5" high x 20" wide, paper size Mark Henderson was born in 1953 and is a member of the Wewaikum Bank in Campbell River. His father, the late Chief Sam Henderson, was a well known Kwakwaka’wakw carver. Born in Blunden Harbour, Sam Henderson was raised in the strict tradions of Kwakwaka’wakw culture. Mark’s mother, the late Mae Quocksister Henderson, was the eldest daughter of a high-ranking family of the Wewaikum Band. Mark’s parents were keen to pass on their cultural traditions to their children. Mark says they were a major influence on his early artistic development. “they wanted me to be familiar with my cultural background, and taught me the legends, songs and dances that have been part of my family heritage for many generations. The traditional potlatch is still an important ceremony to the Kwakwaka’wakw people. I have been involved in many potlatches, from designing and painting the large danc