1930s or earlier, carved wood with polychrome and shell decoration the figures' eyes with applied copper; an ink inscription on the reverse reads Totem of the copper chief of the Thlinket tribe Alaska. Very rare and no duplicate; an inscribed sheet pasted below details the totem's subjects in detail.
25.75 in. high
The Lifelong Collection of Keith and Caroline Gray, Charlotte, NC. Keith and Caroline Gray were passionate about antiques, art, and history. Together they attended antique shows and auctions for decades – assembling a collection particularly strong on American coin silver, Asian art, historical documents, early images, and English ceramics. Both were longtime supporters of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, with Caroline serving in multiple capacities from docent to a member of the acquisitions board and trustee. Caroline translated her love of material culture into a successful career, becoming the first certified property appraiser in Charlotte.
Additional high-resolution photos are available at LelandLittle.com

One bird missing head; copper applique missing from one figure's eye; overall wear with deep, old patina to all surfaces.