Muckleshoot (Coast Salish) Totem

Muckleshoot (Coast Salish) totem pole and captive ball. This unusual model pole features a carved captive ball – a standard American folk art tradition where a free wooden ball is carved from a single piece of wood. Above the ball is a seated eagle. Arguably, model totem poles are a North American folk art tradition as well, although captive balls are not usually depicted on model poles. This pole is signed on the back “Wayne C. Teller, July 1978,” but this is almost certainly the name of the collector and not the maker, as this pole is made in the highly distinctive style of the Muckleshoot White Eagle family. The pole is painted in bright colours with whimsical designs more akin to American folk art than Northwest Coast work. An interesting conversation piece that has crossover appeal to collectors of Native art and folk art and arts and crafts enthusiasts. 9"