Antique Northwest Coast Native American Totem Pole Model
Late 19th - Early 20th Century
Carved & Painted Cedar Wood
~ please scroll down for more photos and information ~SIZE:
Height (with base) - 20.5” (52 cm)DESCRIPTION:
Very old and unusual Northwest Coast Native American totem pole model (or lodge totem) depicting a killer whale and faces.
Probably late 19th century, possibly very early 20th century. Circa 1880 - 1910.
Carved and painted cedar wood with a metal ring for hanging on the back. The base is much newer than the piece, but is included.
This totem pole is probably Tlingit or Haida and is very expressive and powerful in it’s depiction of the killer whale and the fierce face with mustache and bared teeth at the bottom. The top face is bird-like and probably represents an owl or raven.
The carving is very strong and the old paint pigments show wear and a fine aged patina from handling. The fine chip carving technique can be seen on the top of the bird’s head. The reverse has an old metal ring for hanging and the bare cedar wood has become darkened from oxidation and handling over the years. There are also remains of an old paper label or identification paper on the back, but there are no readable or identifiable clues, just small fragmentary portions of the paper.
This is possibly the oldest totem model or fragment of a small lodge totem pole that I have seen and it looks like early Northwest Coast work seen in museums. The surface and patina may indicate wear from tribal use. CONDITION:
Good condition, as shown in the photos and with the following noted: Old wear and patina to the painted and unpainted surfaces. Some small scratches and minor, stable splits, small losses as shown in the photos. Stand is a newer addition and has some wear, but is included for display.~ please click on the image for larger - high definition photos piece will be a museum quality addition to any collection of Ethnographic or Tribal Art and will display beautifully in any Mid Century Modern, Native American, or Arts and Crafts decor. PLEASE NOTE :
The low opening offer, with , does not indicate the actual monetary value of the piece. Our sales are structured this way to encourage offerding and to allow the final sale price to be determined by the buyers. This object comes from a smoke-free, pet-free environment and it will be carefully packed and shipped for quick and safe arrival to its new owner.
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Shipped from California, USA.
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