HENRY ROBERTSON (1934-2016) HAISLA
Model Totem Pole , c. 1960-70
carved wood, paint, and metal nails, 14.75 x 8.75 x 4.25 in (37.5 x 22.2 x 10.8 cm) inscribed, signed, and further inscribed by artist in black wax medium, 'Carved / by / Henry / Robertson / "Greenville" [Lax̱g̱altsʼap] / Nass / River / B.C. / Thunderbird / Salmon / Whale".

Provenance
Private Collection, Calgary.

This is an early model pole carved by the late Haisla master carver Henry Robertson. This pole depicts a Thunderbird with spread wings holding a baleen whale in its talons over another baleen whale. The earlier date of this pole can be approximated by the presence of paint and its stylistic adherence to Central British Columbia Coast forms and style. Robertson’s later pieces were rarely painted and were highly sculptured, heavily drawing on northern influences in his work. Robertson was a highly influential Haisla carver whose work is sought after by collectors.

— Christopher W. Smith