Description
Nuu-chah-nulth / Kwakiutl Totem Pole Date: 1920
A striking early 20th‑century carved cedar totem pole representing a Nuu‑chah‑nulth interpretation of the iconic Alert Bay pole originally carved by Charlie James, one of the most influential Kwakwaka’wakw artists of the period. This example, dating to circa 1920, carries forward the powerful visual language of James’ design while expressing regional Nuu‑chah‑nulth carving sensibilities.
Materials & Dimensions
- Cedar with original red, green, black, brown, and orange pigments
- Size: 13 ¼” tall x 3 ½” x 1 ¾”
Design & Iconography The pole features a bold Thunderbird at the crest, its wings decorated with sisuitl (double‑headed lightning serpent) motifs—an emblem of supernatural power and protection. Below, a bear holding a human captive forms the dramatic lower tableau, a narrative element strongly associated with Kwakwaka’wakw storytelling traditions and crest imagery.
The carving retains excellent original condition, with well‑preserved pigments and crisp detailing that highlight the sculptural depth and cultural significance of the figures.
Cultural Context This piece stands at the intersection of Nuu‑chah‑nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw artistic exchange, reflecting how regional artists engaged with and reinterpreted well‑known designs circulating along the Northwest Coast in the early 1900s. Its connection to the Charlie James lineage makes it especially desirable for collectors focused on historic carving traditions.
Provenance
- Private collection, British Columbia
A rare opportunity to acquire an early, culturally significant Northwest Coast carving with strong visual presence and excellent preservation
