James, Charlie (c. 1867 - 1938)

Yakuglas (Charlie James) grew up in Tsaxis (Fort Rupert) and eventually settled in Alert Bay. He learned carving from relatives in Tsaxis and became one of the few artists who carved full time. In addition to carving objects for the tourist trade, he carved ceremonial and functional articles on commission for the Kwagu'l. He inherited the Thunderbird as a crest from his mother, a noblewoman from Fort Rupert.