This pole is a model of one of the Thunderbird Totems of Alert Bay, a favorite image of mid-20th century totem makers. This pole was likely carved by a member of the Williams family of Ditidaht artists who have historically made pieces for Ye Old Curiosity Shop (YOCS) in Seattle. The red and green colors are also indicative of the YOCS origin of this pole – a color scheme favored by the James family and found on a number of pieces from their shop. A nice touch on this pole is that the face on the chest of the thunderbird and the faces on the wings make a “Sisiutl” figure, also known as a three-headed sea serpent. An interesting and deeply carved example of Williams family work. 19 3/4"H x 15"W
PERIOD: Mid 20th Century
ORIGIN: Northwest - Unknown, Native American