Nuu-chah-Nulth Totem by Eric Williams

Thunderbird and bear holding mask totem by Ditidaht/Nuu-chah-Nulth artist Eric Williams. The Williams family of model totem pole carvers having been carving for the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop in Seattle for over 100 years. Beginning with Sam Williams (1884-1979), the great-grandfather of the current generation of carvers, this family has produced model and full-sized poles for sale and display for generations, helping to define Seattle, and especially the Seattle Waterfront, as a place to see and experience Northwest Coast art. This pole was carved by Eric Williams, who is the son of Raymond Williams (1933-1988), and grandson of the aforementioned Sam Williams. Eric’s work is very much like his father’s and reflects Ray’s keen attention to detail and fine piercing work that adds interest and complexity to the composition of the carving. This larger model pole features a Thunderbird with spread wings and a Human face on its chest over an anthropomorphic Bear figure holding a Mask. The bear stands on a monoxylous pedestal, and the pole is mounted to a chamfered double base. The pole is painted in black, green, red, and white and is signed on the verso. Signed. 18" with wings.