Salish Totem by the White Eagle Family

Coast Salish totem pole thunderbrd and human bear. This larger model totem pole appears to be carved by one of the Coast Salish White Eagle family artists from Washington State, who have carved for the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop since the mid-20th century. The pole is carved in old growth red cedar and features a Thunderbird over a Humanoid figure, perhaps a transforming Bear. The overall carving and features of the totem pole align with the style of the White Eagle family, although this one especially shows influence from the Ditidaht Williams family of carvers. In particular, the rendering of the brightly colored paint, the huge, white teeth, and the shelf-like brow of the bottom figure show a considerable affinity with the Williams family and other Nuu-chah-nulth carvings. This makes sense, as both families have been carving for the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop for several generations and the Williams family style has always been popular with collectors. 19"H x 13 1/2"W