Native American, Northwestern United States / Canada, British Columbia, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), Haida or Tlingit, ca. 1951 CE. A hand carved wooden totem sculpture of a bird standing atop a whale with brightly painted details. The bird has outstretched wings and a double crested head, perhaps representing an eagle or thunderbird. The whale beneath the bird is an orca, with the head painted to show his bared teeth. This piece may have served as decoration or marker for a tribe or clan affiliated with these totem animals. This special totem is carved from two pieces that are nailed together on the verso. All is painted in the characteristic and stylized patterning of red, black, white, teal, and blue. Size: 17.75" L x 3" W x 13.25" H (45.1 cm x 7.6 cm x 33.7 cm)
Provenance: ex-Todos Santos Trading Post, Alamo, California, USA
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#167205
Condition
Loss to eagle's foot. Chipping of paint. Stable fissure on whale's dorsal fin. Minor chips to wood on high pointed areas. Metal hook on verso for suspension.