Henry Robertson was an important Haisla artist and cultural leader. Robertson was the lead carver who created two replicas of the G'psgolox pole that was repatriated back to the Haisla people in 2006. [1] Dating back to the 1960s, Robertson was a prolific maker of model totem poles who refined his craft over five decades of carving. His earliest pieces were heavily painted model poles that combined stylistic elements of Tsimshian and Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw art. Robertson’s work matured over his career into a distinctly Northern style that focused on sculpture and omitted paint altogether. This model pole is a classic example of his late, mature style and depicts an Eagle over a diving Killer Whale with a Salmon in its mouth. An impressive but easily overlooked feature of this totem is how it subtly tapers toward the top, which is especially evident when viewed from the back. Robertson’s attention to little details such as the taper and the elegant structure at the base of this pole reflect a deep understanding of 19th century model totem pole styles.

1. Totem: Return of the G'psgolox Pole. https://www.knowledge.ca/program/totem-return-of-the-gpsgolox-pole. Accessed 24 Aug 2026.