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Artworks
ḴAḴASO’LAS ELLEN NEEL (1916-1966) KWAKWA̱KA̱ʼWAKW
Model Totem Pole with Presentation Plaque, c. 1965wood and pigment, 15.25 x 12 x 15 in (38.7 x 30.5 x 38.1 cm)
signed, "Ellen Neel";
with presentation plaque, "Presented in Appreciation to / William Ladyman / by the / Truck Loggers Association / of British Columbia - January 14th 1966".
LOT 86
ESTIMATE: $2,500 — $3,500Ḵaḵaso’las Ellen Neel is one of the first documented women to work as a professional Northwest Coast carver. In addition to her role in making space for women in the...Ḵaḵaso’las Ellen Neel is one of the first documented women to work as a professional Northwest Coast carver. In addition to her role in making space for women in the Northwest Coast carving world, Neel was also an innovator in art production and marketing methods and one of the first Northwest Coast Indigenous artists to license her designs for reproduction on everyday objects.
This model pole features a Thunderbird over a Wolf or some other canid. It was presented to William Ladyman in recognition of his contributions by the Truck Loggers’ Association on January 14, 1966, just three weeks before Neel’s passing. The pole is classic Ellen Neel, with finely painted red, green, brown, and black design elements. The shovel-shaped tail of the canid figure is especially interesting, with a compressed ovoid and tree-like design representing its fur. The pole is mounted on a steeply bevelled base.
CWS
Provenance
Acquired from the Ladyman family by the present Private Collection, Toronto, April 2020.
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