The Nuu-chah-nulth were among the most prolific and innovative makers of model totem poles in the first quarter of the 20th century. Perhaps due to their proximity to several regional tourist hubs and a willingness to engage with the art market and curio shop owners, many Nuu-chah-nulth artists developed idiosyncratic carving and painting styles that were applied to model totem poles early on. This highly stylized pole features, from the top: a Raptor-like Bird, an inverted or diving Whale, and a Dog or Canine (note the “S” shape of the hind legs). The pole features a “back board” that begins behind the head of the Dog figure and terminates at the top of the Raptor’s wings. The pole tapers toward the top and features a monoxylous base that is, in turn, mounted onto a secondary rectangular base. The pole appears to be carved in a harder wood such as alder or birch and is flamboyantly painted in green, yellow, red, blue, brown, and black.

Christopher W. Smith