Rufus Moody
Haida, Haida, Wolf Clan
(1923-1998)
Rufus Moody was born in 1923. He was a member of the Tanu Wolf clan, the son of Arthur Moody, and the grandson of Thomas Moody, both known for their argillite carvings. Moody’s work ranged significantly in size, making both model totem poles and full-scale argillite poles, the largest measuring 6 feet in height which is now held in the Vancouver Museum of Anthropology.
In 1968, Moody and his wife hosted artists Anthony Carter and Minn Sjolseth on their journey to represent the individuals behind the world famous Haida art style. In 1950, he began tutoring youth on the art of carving. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1967 for his achievements in art and teaching in the pursuit of preserving culture. Moody died in 1998 at the age of 75.
Artwork
| Title | Last Sold At Auction | |
|---|---|---|
| MODEL TOTEM POLE | 2025-05 (May 2025) | |
| MODEL TOTEM POLE WITH EAGLE AND ORVA | 2023-09 (September 2023) | |
| MODEL TOTEM POLE, 1974 | 2025-09 (September 2025) | |
| TOTEM DECORATED WITH A HUMAN FACE, BEAVER, RAVEN WITH HALIBUT, AND AN EAGLE | 2017-05 (May 2017) | |
| TOTEM DECORATED WITH FISH TAIL, RABBIT, EAGLE, HUMAN AND FROG, WITH A FROG BASE | 2018-12 (December 2018) | |
| TOTEM DECORATED WITH WOLF, ORCA WHALE AND EAGLE | 2018-12 (December 2018) |
Recent Auction Results
Estimate: 600 — 900
Sold: Dec 2018 — Sold For: $1,020
Estimate: 1,000 — 1,500
Sold: Dec 2018 — Sold For: $1,440
Estimate: 3,000 — 5,000
Sold: May 2017 — Sold For: $2,280
