TOM MOSES (1872-1955), COAST SALISH, SQUAMISH
Model Totem Pole, c. 1930s
carved and painted cedar wood, and metal pins, 15.5 x 5.75 x 3.25 in (39.4 x 14.6 x 8.3 cm)
inscribed and signed, "Squamish Indian North Vancouver / BC / Tom. Moses.";
inscribed in an unknown hand in black ink with didactic information to an affixed paper label, "Thunderbird / (Ruler of the Universe) / — / Owl / — / Grizzly / Bear / — / Fox / — / Killer / Whale / — / Frog".
inscribed and signed, "Squamish Indian North Vancouver / BC / Tom. Moses.";
inscribed in an unknown hand in black ink with didactic information to an affixed paper label, "Thunderbird / (Ruler of the Universe) / — / Owl / — / Grizzly / Bear / — / Fox / — / Killer / Whale / — / Frog".
LOT 118
ESTIMATE: $1,800 — $2,800
PRICE REALIZED: $8,400.00
ESTIMATE: $1,800 — $2,800
PRICE REALIZED: $8,400.00
Further images
This multi-figure model pole carved and signed by Squamish artist Tommy Moses features, from top, a thunderbird with baleen whale wings, owl, grizzly bear, fox, killer whale, and a figural...
This multi-figure model pole carved and signed by Squamish artist Tommy Moses features, from top, a thunderbird with baleen whale wings, owl, grizzly bear, fox, killer whale, and a figural frog base. The paper label description of the figures on the back of the pole was possibly written by William Webber, the owner of The Thunderbird Scenery Shop. Webber often sold Moses’ artwork and was fond of writing interpretations of figures on the backs of carvings. Along with Mathias Joe Capilano (1887-1966), Moses was one of just a few influential Coast Salish artists creating both monumental and model poles in the first half of the 20th century. This is an exceptional example of his work that incorporates his distinctively whimsical style with a complexity rarely seen on his model poles.
References: For a later pole by the artist see Michael D. Hall and Pat Glascock, Carvings and Commerce: Model Totem Poles 1880-2010, (Saskatoon: Mendel Art Gallery / Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2011), cat. 126, p. 140.
Christopher W. Smith
References: For a later pole by the artist see Michael D. Hall and Pat Glascock, Carvings and Commerce: Model Totem Poles 1880-2010, (Saskatoon: Mendel Art Gallery / Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2011), cat. 126, p. 140.
Provenance
Private Collection, Calgary, AB.Join Our Mailing List
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