Tsimshian Chief Kyan Totem by Eli Tait

Chief Kyan totem by AlaskanTsimshian carver Eli Tait (1872-1949). Signed. Eli Tait was a prolific and skilled carver based in Metlakatla, Alaska, who created model totem poles and small bird dishes for sale. Born in Old Metlakatla, BC, in 1872, Tait was part of the original group of Tsimshian to follow the Anglican lay minister, William Duncan, to Annette Island in Alaska in 1887. He was also one of only a few Tsimshian artists working in Alaska in the first half of the 20th century. Due to lifelong challenges with arthritis, Tait was unable to work in the fishing or timber industries and was instead a full-time artist. The Kyan Totem of Ketchikan is an iconic, monumental Tlingit totem pole in Ketchikan, Alaska, that’s been a popular attraction for tourists for over a century. Often used on steamship and curio shop advertisements, the pole was also a popular subject for local artists creating model poles for sale. Although the original Kyan Totem had figures that represented Crane, Thunderbird, and Brown Bear, Tait’s version featured Thunderbird, Eagle with 2-dimensional Eagles in profile on its wings, and Wolf, as noted on the back of this pole. Tait was also notable for being one of the earliest model totem carvers to consistently sign his work, making him a knowable and popular artist among collectors. 9 1/2"H