A Legacy of Tsimshian Artistry
Frederick Alexcee was a Canadian carver and painter from the community of Lax Kw'alaams, belonging to the Tsimshian ethnicity. Born in 1853, his heritage was shaped by his mother, a Tsimshian woman from the Giluts'aaw tribe of the Gispwudwada clan, and his father, an Iroquois laborer. Within the matrilineal system, Alexcee followed his mother's lineage and held the Tsimshian name 'Wiiksmwan, which means Great Deer Woman.
As a trained halaayt carver, Alexcee engaged in shamanic practices traditionally reserved for chiefs. He crafted naxnox (spirit) paraphernalia and items for use in ceremonies of secret societies, many of which were targeted for eradication by missionaries in Lax Kw'alaams during the late 19th century. His diverse body of work included carvings for the Indian curio trade, drawings, and paintings depicting traditional life in Port Simpson.
Artistic Contributions and Recognition
Alexcee's artistic output spanned various forms, from spiritual objects to religious adornments. He carved human figures to decorate a baptismal font for the Methodist church in Port Simpson. His reputation as an artist was recognized on a national stage; in 1927, two of his paintings were exhibited at the National Gallery of Canada.
His works are preserved in numerous significant institutions, including:
Alexcee passed away in the 1940s.
Questions & Answers
Is there a complete list of Frederick Alexcee's artworks?
Every work by Frederick Alexcee on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
Can I browse Frederick Alexcee's works by mood?
Frederick Alexcee's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.
In which movements did Frederick Alexcee work?
Frederick Alexcee's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.
Can I sort Frederick Alexcee's artworks by color?
Frederick Alexcee's works can be explored by color on the artist's Spectral Index page.
