Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit, ca. mid-20th century CE, signed Frank Williams. A fine hand carved wooden totem pole by Native artist Frank Williams. The pole represents the Tlingit cosmological creation myth known as "Raven and the Box of Daylight." The Old Raven is at the top wearing chief hat- as he is accredited with shaping the universe and bringing light. Below his feet is a face carved into a square- representing the box that contained the sun, moon, and stars. The lower half depicts the Young Raven, and a face representing mankind that is supported by a frog. The pole is mounted upon an integral square base as a well-balanced composition, and all is painted in bright hues. The verso is engraved with the artist's signature, and a paper label with the description of the pole's story. Size: 2.8" L x 2.8" W x 13" H (7.1 cm x 7.1 cm x 33 cm)
Provenance: private South Carolina, USA collection
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#171437
Condition
Intact and excellent. A few minor areas of faded pigment. Clearly signed on verso with original paper label.