Nisga’a/Nishga Model Totem by W.H. Moore

Nisga’a/Nishga Model Pole featuring a Medicine Man, Owl, Wolf, and Frog Base. This striking pole features a medicine man, owl, and wolf over a figural frog base. The pole is from the Nisga’a Nation and was carved by W.H. Moore. The Moore family are large and prominent in the Nisga’a community. W. H. Moore may be William Moore, a historic leader who introduced the Salvation Army Church to the Nisga’a community. Although this pole is dated 1944 in pencil, this was probably not the date of production as the pole has several traits that point to an earlier production date, ca. 1910-1915. These features include the hollowed out back and subtly tapered top, very much like other pieces from the early 20th century. The totem is fully carved in maple and conservatively painted – both diagnostic features of earlier Nisga’a carving that further confirms the date and tribal identity of this pole. Early Nisga’a poles are less common than pieces from neighboring groups such as the Tlingit or Tsimshian. 17 1/2"