HENRY CLIFTON

Clifton Henry is the son of Loreene and Ben Henry, well known Six Nations carvers. In keeping with the matrilineal system of the Iroquois, Clifton's clan affiliation (Turtle) is traced through his mother's family line - Cayuga Tribe, Turtle Clan. His father is of the Onondaga Tribe, Deer Clan.
Clifton has derived not only inspiration but technical skills and creativity from his parents. Ben and Loreene have been mentors to all of the children who were interested in carrying on the carving tradition. Clifton has been carving since the age of 9. Clifton’s two brothers also carve: Ben Henry Jr. has been carving since the age of 14; Leroy Henry’s work can be found in galleries throughout Canada and the United States.
Clifton’s father (Ben) began carving at an early age. Ben with his brother Roy visited often with their paternal grandfather, Tom Harris, a fine wood carver who specialized in the traditional Iroquois ceremonial masks. These visits stimulated an intense interest in mask making for Ben and Roy. Even their father, Roy Fish resumed his own mask making tradition when he learned that his sons were serious about traditional mask carving. Ben and Roy progressed in their carving ability by working under the guidance of their father and grandfather.
After carving in wood for a number of years, Ben and Roy turned their talent to carving in soapstone. The entire Henry family have been carving in stone for several years. They acquire steatite (soapstone) from North and South Carolina, Maryland and Brazil. They like to carve expressive eagles, ancestor faces, false face masks and legends.
Clifton’s carvings have been exhibited in Ontario in Stratford, Waterloo, Jordon Village, Niagara Falls and Toronto. His pieces have been collected in Canada, United States, the British Isles and Germany.