Coast Salish Folk Art Totem

This eccentric, folk art totem pole is based on the high-relief carving style of Coast Salish model poles of the early 20th century. Although likely carved by a non-Indigenous hobbyist, the maker of this pole showed an uncommon familiarity with Coast Salish sculptural styles. First, the figures emerge in high relief from a “backboard,” a feature that distinguishes historic Coast Salish house posts from the free standing, multifigure totem poles of their northern neighbors. The bird finial on the top of this pole is also indicative of early Coast Salish model pole examples and underscores that this maker had seen and probably spent time with Native-made Coast Salish model poles. 18"H PERIOD: Mid 20th Century ORIGIN: Alaska, United States SIZE: 18"H