Salish Totem

This old model Salish pole dates to around 1900 and was sold out of the Hudson Bay Fur Trading Co. in Seattle, WA. The pole depicts an inverted killer whale, although the identities of the other figures are unclear. There is a formline human face in profile carved in relief and painted on the front of the base. A rather unusual feature of this pole is the inlaid glass beads in the eyes of the figures and blowhole of the whale. Early model poles sometimes incorporated new, non-traditional materials into their work. A highly unusual and early pole. Northwest Coast cedar totem with original Hudson Bay sticker. Patinated with cabin smoke. 15"