Richard Hunt

Richard Hunt is the son of Henry Hunt, a famous Kwakwaka’wakw Totem Pole Carver, who, in turn, was the son of Mungo Martin. Mungo Martin has long been revered as one of the finest Kwakwaka’wakw carvers in living memory. As a result of this heritage, Hunt is one of the finest Kwakwaka’wakw carvers. He also draws inspiration from the work of Willie Seaweed. His carving has a distinctive appearance: rough finish, natural colours and powerful expression.

Hunt is an accomplished dancer and was initiated into the Hamatsa Society. For many years, he was Master Carver at the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, BC, responsible for the upkeep of the Museum’s collection, and was the artist chosen to restore the Totem Pole owned by Queen Elizabeth II.

Hunt received the Order of British Columbia, in 1991, “in recognition of serving with the greatest distinction and excellence in a field of endeavor benefiting the people of the Province of British Columbia or elsewhere.” He was the first native to be given this award.  

Richard Hunt’s work is represented in many private and public collections. One of his Totem Poles resides in the Civic Museum of Edinburgh, Scotland.