Norman Tait

Norman Tait is one of the foremost Native Artists in British Columbia. His formal studies of the Northwest Coast artform began in 1973 when he studied under the renowned female carver and artist, Freda Diesing. Tait carved his first model totem pole at the age of eight, receiving encouragement from his mother Sadie Benson Tait.

Tait’s Native name is Enah-ahg-lagh, which means Bear with no Hair on One Side. His father was Chief Joseph Tait.

Tait works in several media: wood, metal and printmaking. His poles, masks and bowls are outstanding. His jewellery is of distinctive design and is highly sought after by collectors. He has produced many exceptional limited edition silkscreen prints, which are rapidly sold out.

Tait has worked on many major Totem Pole projects, including restorations of important poles. He has participated in many international festivals and celebrations, performing with The Nisga’a Dance Group. His work has been included in solo and group exhibitions and is represented in major private and public collections.


13 items

Strongman Bronze
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

1999 Edition 3/12 In the beginning, according to Nisga'a legend, the Nisga'a figure Txeemsim (abo...

1999 Edition 3/12 In the beginning, according to Nisga'a legend, the Nisga'a figure Txeemsim (above) fought with the Gitxsan figure Wegyet for control of the Nass River Valley. Txeemsim won, so in a show of strength and to mark his victory, he captured a rainbow and held it up for all to see.

$7,000.00

Model Totem Pole
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Thunderbird ...

$6,000.00

Halibut Bowl
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

1998 In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northw...

1998 In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, inclu...

$11,000.00

Eagle Frontlet Set
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

1998 Edition 1/12 In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner Only sold as a set with ori...

1998 Edition 1/12 In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner Only sold as a set with original Eagle Frontlet Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there a...

$27,000.00

Eagle Frontlet Set
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

1998 In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner Only sold as a set with the cast bronze ...

1998 In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner Only sold as a set with the cast bronze Eagle Frontlet Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are som...

$27,000.00

Moon Mask
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

1998 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals tha...

1998 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Moon is...

$28,000.00

Dogfish Spirit Panel
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are...

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Dogfish is a...

Shaman Bronze
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

2005 Edition 1/6 In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner

2005 Edition 1/6 In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner

$125,000.00

Beaver Mask
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest C...

In collaboration with Norman's wife, Lucinda Turner Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including ...

$20,000.00

Swan Bowl
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

1992

1992

$25,000.00

Eagle Helmet
Norman Tait (Nisga'a)

1992 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals tha...

1992 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions. Eagle i...

$35,000.00