First Nations Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw) hand-carved red cedar totem pole featuring a myriad of highly stylized creatures painted in black, white, red, and turquoise pigment. The bottom beaver features a pair of large teeth as well as a crosshatched center panel while the creature above, perhaps a bear or an otter, bears large eyes and dark, clawed limbs. The top creature resembles an abstract human, with broad eyes and protruding tongue, who holds all 4 red-painted limbs together. The totem pole is attached to the top of a beveled rectangular plinth. Collection sticker shows original selling price if $1,600. Signed on back Kulakwaka' Waklu.
PERIOD: Mid 20th Century
ORIGIN: Northwest - Kwakiutl, Native American
SIZE: 3.625" L x 4.5" W x 26.4" H