-
Artworks
UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST
Model Totem Pole, c. 1890alderwood, 22.25 x 3.5 x 2.5 in (56.5 x 8.9 x 6.3 cm)
unsigned.LOT 129
ESTIMATE: $1,200 — $1,800
PRICE REALIZED: $2,440.00Further images
This unusual and sculptural Tlingit pole reflects an earlier style of model totem that emphasized fully round forms and incorporated structures within the carving to highlight and differentiate figures. This...This unusual and sculptural Tlingit pole reflects an earlier style of model totem that emphasized fully round forms and incorporated structures within the carving to highlight and differentiate figures. This pole features from top: bear, eagle clasping salmon, and frog. The face of the eagle is rendered in a distinctive style, with the beak and eyes emerging from the shelflike forehead and pointing straight down. The formline elements on this pole are also highly individualistic, showing a strong curvature and compression from the top side, giving them the appearance of being inverted. It is likely that this maker could be identified in the future based on these distinctive features.
Christopher W. Smith
Provenance
Private Collection, Maine, USA;
Private Collection, Calgary, AB.