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 beaver seated atop a rectangular pedestal upon a flat rectangular base. The details are skillfully carved in relief and painted in hues of red, black, blue, yellow, and white. In the Northwest, the beaver is regarded as strong-willed and determined as well as a builder, dreamer, protector, and overseer. Size: 4.625" H (11.7 cm); 8.25" H (21 cm) on included custom stand.

According to a Haida legend, a respected hunter who resided along a river, traveled to find new hunting terrain with his wife. After several days, the hunter decided to build a home for he and his wife. Once finished building the home, the hunter told his wife that he would leave for two days and one night - and that he would be back before the second night. This happened, and he and his wife were happy. Eventually the hunter left once again, only for a longer period of time. While the hunter was away, his wife kept herself busy by swimming in a nearby stream. Once again, the hunter returned, and the couple was happy. In time the hunter's wife became pregnant, and the hunter decided that she was happy being alone; so he set off on a longer hunting trip. While he was gone, his wife spent much time in the creek; it was a shallow creek, so she decided to build a dam from the leftover wood from their house. In time, the dam created a lake, where she enjoyed swimming all day long. She next built a room in the dam where she could rest during the day, and at night she would go back in the house. Since the child was coming due, the hunter decided to come home from his trip. However, when he looked around for his wife, she was nowhere to be found. He looked for her all around the lake and the creek when suddenly, a zoomorphic figure emerged from the lake. It was a strange animal to the hunter - gnawing a stick in its mouth. Beside the animal were two smaller ones, who were also gnawing sticks. Eventually the largest one spoke, declaring, "Do not be sad! It is I, your wife, along with your two children. We have returned to our lovely home in the water. Now that you have seen me, you shall use my image as a crest.”

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

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#128478

Old label on back of figure reads "Beaver" followed by "Annie" and another word in parentheses that is no longer legible. Figure shows minor surface wear, but is in overall excellent condition. Stand which may have been added later has some age cracks.