Various Sculpture

c. 2004

Chuck Heit’s “Wiigyet and the Three Bears” draws inspiration from a playful and poignant tale of the trickster Wiigyet and captures the story of his misadventure in pursuit of a perfect Black Bear blanket.

This remarkable sculpture, consisting of 27 individual components, brings to life the mischievous story of Wiigyet, whose longing for a new blanket leads him to three plump black bears lounging in a Cottonwood tree.

Mesmerized by the shiny, dark coats of the Bears, Wiigyet’s impromptu dance and song entice the creatures to descend. But despite the brief joy of their company, the Bears swiftly evade his grasp, leaving Wiigyet saddened and empty-handed once more.

Chuck Heit emphasizes the dynamic interaction between the physical and spiritual realms in this exceptionally executed piece. Skillfully, he depicts a Chief as the Shaman who maintains harmony between people and nature, navigates cosmic worlds, and reveals the deeply revered connection between humans, animals, and the natural world.

The carved figures on the lid reflect this spirit, with Wiigyet in a suspended pose, his feet never quite touching the ground, lifted by the playful Bears who embody the beauty of their fur as blankets adorned with tassels and designs. One of the Bears sniffs at Wiigyet’s old tattered blanket, symbolizing his failed pursuit and the lesson to respect nature’s spirits.

Crafted from “Black African Wonder Stone,” a substitute for Argillite, the piece illustrates Chuck Heit’s meticulous process and artistic prowess. Each aspect, from the fourteen silver dowels strengthening the joints to the carefully chosen designs, speaks to Heit’s dedication and mastery of carving. He shaped, reshaped, and refined the piece through numerous adjustments and trials to execute his vision to perfection.

The final work balances whimsical storytelling with traditional craftsmanship. Chuck Heit’s deep engagement with Northwest Coast culture is evident in both the narrative and the construction of Wiigyet and the Three Bears, presenting an artwork that is as meaningful as it is visually compelling. Heit’s adept blending of form and function, alongside his inventive approach, ensures the spirit of Wiigyet lives on, dancing with the Bears beneath the sheltering Cottonwood tree.