Large Bear Totem

Large bear totem pole from Anchorage, Alaska. This well-carved totem panel was created in 1967 in Anchorage, Alaska. Although the pole is likely non-Native made, it does match the style and look of several monumental totem poles that were made in and around Anchorage in the mid-20th century. Those poles, many of which still exist today, were erected as advertisements for businesses and to evoke a sense of “authenticity” for tourists visiting the state (despite the fact that Anchorage is far outside of the territory of totem-making Native groups). A creation date of 1967 for this pole is interesting, as it coincides with the Alaska Purchase Centennial and may well have been the occasion for it being made. The Bear figure is carved in low relief in the form of a house post in red cedar. It has a partially legible signature on the verso that reads “Frank Me- - - /Nov 11, ‘67/Anchorage, Alaska.” It has a large metal loop on the top of the carving to be hung on the wall. Although this pole is probably not carved by an Alaska Native artist, it is one of the better made non-Indigenous poles that we have seen for sale. 11" x 36"