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Artworks
ELI TAIT (1872-1949) ALASKAN TSIMSHIAN, METLAKATLA, ALASKA
Model Kyan Totem of Ketchikan, Alaska, c. 1940cedar wood and acrylic paint, 7.25 x 2.25 x 2.5 in (18.4 x 5.7 x 6.3 cm), measurements reflect dimensions with base, without: 7 x 2.25 x 2.5 in (17.8 x 5.7 x 6.3 cm)
inscribed on the reverse by the artist, "Thunder / bird ; Eagle / Wolf";
inscribed by the artist, "Kian [Kyan] totem / of Ketchikan /Alaska";
inscribed to the base in an unknown hand, probably a previous owner, "Muggins. - Came Home Nov. 10/42".
signed and inscribed, "Eli Tait / Metlakatla /Alaska";LOT 27
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600Further images
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Eli Tait was a prolific Alaskan Tsimshian carver of model poles and feast dishes based in Metlakatla, Alaska. Born in Old Metlakatla, BC, Tait was one of the original Tsimshian...Eli Tait was a prolific Alaskan Tsimshian carver of model poles and feast dishes based in Metlakatla, Alaska. Born in Old Metlakatla, BC, Tait was one of the original Tsimshian followers of Reverend William Duncan who relocated from British Columbia to Annette Island, Alaska, in 1887. Living with arthritis in his joints, which prevented him from working in the fishing or timber industry, Tait instead relied on his carving abilities to make a living. He was among the first Indigenous carvers from the Northwest Coast to consistently sign his work, a practice that has helped make him a popular artist among collectors.
This model depicts the Chief Kyan totem pole, a Tlingit monumental pole standing in downtown Ketchikan that was a popular attraction for steamship tourists in the early 20th century. The Kyan Pole was widely reproduced by local Native carvers and appeared on postcards and advertisements, making it an iconic Alaskan image. The original pole featured Crane, Thunderbird, and Bear, although Tait reinterpreted these figures as Thunderbird, Eagle, and Wolf. An iteration of the original by Tlingit artist Israel Shotridge still stands in Ketchikan and, until recently, was featured in American passport books.
Provenance
Private Collection, Indiana;
A Toronto Collection.
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