Charles Peter (Chuck) (Ya'Ya) Heit (1957) - Tsimshian Rhythm Cane

Tsimshian Rhythm Cane

carved birch with abalone and opercula inlays and copper
82.5 cms x 5.7 cms x 5.72 cms (32.5 ins x 2.25 ins x 32.5 ins)
Signed yaya and dated 1977
made in 1977
Lot offered for sale by Heffel, Vancouver at the auction event "February 2020 Online auction" held on Thu, Feb 27, 2020.
Lot 014
Estimate: CAD $3,000 - $5,000
Realised: CAD $3,125

Lot description - from the online catalogue*

Provenance:
Derek Simpkins Gallery of Tribal Art, Vancouver

Private Collection, Vancouver
Notes:
Born in 1957, Chuck Peter Heit (who goes by Ya’Ya) came to be a professional artist by way of an artistic family legacy. As a child, Heit naturally gravitated towards drawing. He was amazed when his aunt, artist Doreen Jensen, told him that his uncle, Gitxsan chief Walter Harris, was a famous artist. This discovery led him to the voracious pursuit of art study and creation, which included an apprenticeship under his uncle. Following his studies at the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Art near Hazelton, BC, Heit was immediately hired as an instructor at age 18. He trained further with both Robert and Reg Davidson for two years, assisting with carving such important works as Three Watchmen, a pole installed outside of the National Gallery of Canada.

Based in Kispiox, BC, Ya’Ya is deeply involved in political issues. He played an important role working with the Gitxsan nation on the historic Delgamuukw v. British Columbia case in 1997. In addition to carving, Heit is also highly regarded for his metal work, in particular his skillful repoussé pieces which involve slowly stretching out the metal by hammering it from the back.

Heit’s work has been included in several major exhibitions including Topographies at the Vancouver Art Gallery in 1996 and Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 2 at the Museum of Art and Design in New York in 2005.
Most realised prices include the Buyer's Premium of 18-25%, but not the HST/GST Tax.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Heffel auction house for permission to use.
Tsimshian Rhythm Cane by artist Charles Peter (Chuck) (Ya'Ya) Heit