Artwork copyright George C. David. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2022.

Artwork copyright George C. David. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2022.

Artwork copyright George C. David. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2022.

Friendship Mask, 1984

George C. David
(Canadian | Nuu-chah-nulth, born 1950, died 2016)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Friendship Mask was hand-carved by late master carver George C. David as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Makah masks. These masks were historically worn by dancers who greeted canoes arriving at Neah Bay, before roads were developed and all visitors arrived by sea.

This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Corrections.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Late artist and master carver George C. David (Nuu-chah-nulth, 1950-2016) was very interested and involved with spirituality in his life and art. In his own words: “Our minds are our strengths, our links to the past. You can only do so much with your hands. The majority comes from your soul. Our work is more than an art – it’s something that’s alive within our people.”

George C. David was born on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. He was of First Nations Nuu-chah-nulth heritage (of Western Vancouver Island) and learned to carve from his father and his family of artists. David studied at the University of Washington in Seattle. He married a Makah tribal member and settled in Neah Bay, on the Olympic Peninsula in Northwestern Washington.