This carving captures the bold, full-bodied style that defines Paul Jones’s model argillite poles. At the summit, an eagle commands attention with finely cut feathers and a sharply defined beak. The wings and tail spread outward in precise formline patterns that emphasize the bird’s strength. Beneath it, an anthropomorphic bear holds an inverted eagle head or mask, its sturdy limbs pressed close to the torso. Each figure maintains its own presence, yet their contours flow together in a unified ascent. Smooth curves meet crisp incisions, and the shifting play of depth and polish gives the composition both clarity and vitality. Though unsigned, the pole is attributed to Paul Jones through close comparison with examples in the Lipsett Collection at the Museum of Vancouver.

Christopher W. Smith with First Arts