UNIDENTIFIED HAIDA ARTIST
Model Totem Pole, c. 1920s-1940s
argillite, 13.5 x 2.75 x 2.5 in (34.3 x 7 x 6.3 cm)
unsigned.

ESTIMATE: $2,500 — $3,500

Provenance
A Vancouver Collection.

A well-carved, multi-figure argillite pole that features, from top, a killer whale, bear, dogfish (shark), frog, and Wasgo (sea wolf). By the early 20th century, Haida argillite model poles became a ubiquitous feature of the Northwest Coast art market. Many argillite carvers also worked in silver and gold, creating bracelets, brooches, and pendants that featured formline designs and techniques that transferred between the two media. This model pole was likely made by an artist who also carved silver, as the two-dimensional elements – particularly the tight cross-hatching and pointed split U-forms – reflect design elements found on Haida engraved silver spoons and ladles.





Christopher W. Smith