UNIDENTIFIED ARTIST, HAIDA, PROBABLY MASSET, HAIDA GWAII

Model Totem Pole,c. 1890

argillite, 13.5 x 3.25 x 2.75 in (34.3 x 8.3 x 7 cm)

unsigned.

Provenance

Private Collection, Montreal.

This fairly large and very fine model pole, with its concave back, dates from well before 1900 - probably c. 1890. While as yet unattributed, the pole has a clarity and confidence that suggests it was carved by a master. While probably not by the hand of Charles Edenshaw, quite likely it is influenced by his style. The pole depicts (from the top): the figure of a chief; a double-finned killer whale; and a bear.

Literature: For a discussion of model totems of this period see Peter L. Macnair and Alan J. Hoover, The Magic Leaves: A History of Haida Argillite Carving (Victoria: Royal BC Museum, 1984/2002), pp. 77-89.