Thunderbird Totem by William "Bill" Kuhnley Sr.

Thunderbird, diving raven and frog totem pole by William "Bill" Kuhnley Sr. Bill Kuhnley Sr. is a well-known non-Indigenous carver who has been making model totem poles and speaker staffs in the Pacific Northwest for decades. Kuhnley married into the Williams family of Ditidaht carvers and began carving in their style in the late 1960s. His work especially reflects the influence of Wilson Williams (Ditidaht, 1908-1965), the father Kuhnley’s wife, Josie, who first taught him to carve model poles. Kuhnley’s interpretation of the Williams family style maintains their deeply carved design elements, brightly painted colours, and prominently carved teeth, but innovates with hammered and overlaid copper, inlaid abalone, and a dark stain that is a hallmark of his work. William Kuhnley Jr. (Ditidaht, b. 1967), his son, is a renowned First Nations artist who apprenticed with Haida artist Robert Davidson (b. 1946) and has frequently sold pieces through the Spirit Wrestler Gallery of Vancouver. This large model pole features a Thunderbird with spread wings, a Diving Raven figure, and a Frog. The pole is mounted on an elaborately carved figural base that features a Human form with protruding face and copper on the sides. There are copper overlays and abalone inlays throughout the work that serve to enhance its visual impact. It is signed “-K” on the verso. 26 5/8"H x 20 1/8"W with 7" base