North America, Pacific Northwest (USA and Canada), Native American, Haida or Tlingit peoples, ca. late 19th century CE. A finely carved and painted wood totem pole depicting a pair of bears, one seated atop the other, attached to a squared base. Red and black are the dominant colors here, which are traditionally the two most important and favored colors in Pacific Northwestern native artwork, with additional green details. In the Northwest, the bear is regarded as the ultimate protector of the animal kingdom. The Haida culture refers to the bear as their "Elder Kinsman"; hence, the animal was traditionally treated like an elite guest when killed. To demonstrate respect, eagle down feathers were sprinkled before it was brought to the tribe. Size: 15.375" H (39.1 cm)

Various legends tell of a bear abducting a Chief's daughter. According to the story, this woman of high status had been out in the woods picking berries, when she stepped on some bear dung and cursed aloud, insulting the bear's cleanliness. Two nearby bears who heard her were upset and decided to teach her a lesson. One bear magically transformed himself into a dashing young man who approached this woman, and convinced her to accompany him to his mountain house. Upon falling in love with him, she too became partially bear-like. The two married and had twin cubs - born resembling bears but could metamorphose themselves into a human form just like their father. When the woman's brothers found her, they retaliated by killing her husband. They all then returned to the village, only the two bear sons felt out of place and eventually returned to the forest. All Bear Clan members are said to descend from this woman and her two sons. Hence, it is believed that there is a bear within every one of us, and that we must accept and embrace this in our lives.

Provenance: ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#128480

A few nicks to paws and minor surface wear as shown. While the totem dates to the 19th century, the separate squared base was added later.