Paul Mather was a child when he and his family joined over 800 other Tsimshian people moving from Metlakatla, British Columbia, to Anette Island, Alaska, in 1887. In his life, Mather would become an ordained minister and artist active in both New Metlakatla and Ketchikan, Alaska. Along with his relative Casper Mather (1877-1972), and fellow Tsimshian artists Eli Tait (1872-1949) and Sidney Campbell (1837-1934), Paul Mather was one of just a handful of carvers from his community still making artwork. His son George Mather (1918-1990) was also a prolific carver of model poles. This pole is a model of the monumental Chief Kyan totem that stands in Ketchikan, Alaska. It was a favourite subject for Mather, which he recreated many times as poles, pins, lamp bases, and ashtrays. The pole features, from top: crane, thunderbird, and grizzly bear. The pole is carved in yellow cedar and, like all of Mather’s carvings, has a clear coat of varnish. The US Indian Arts and Crafts Act stamp on the back of the pole places the date of this pole between 1937 when the stamp was instituted and Mather’s passing in 1942.

Christopher W. Smith