An older, three-figure pole that appears to feature anthropomorphic owls in various stages of transformation. The top figure is a humanoid that is sitting on a bird that appears to be an owl with a smiling human face, over another bird – also probably an owl – with a human face. The pole dates to the 1920s and stylistically, shares features with both Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish art. In particular, the central figure’s face appears to be carved in a Coast Salish style, while the top figure appears Nuu-chah-nulth. Artists from different nations influenced one another, so this blending is not surprising or uncommon to find on poles from this period. The totem is carved in red cedar and has original, old pigments in blue, black, and yellow. 12"
PERIOD: Early 20th Century
ORIGIN: Northwest - Nuu-chah-Nulth, Native American