Description
Haida Argillite Totem Pole
Artist: Haida
Date: Circa 1880–1890
Material: Argillite
Dimensions: 12 in (H) × 3 in × 2 ½ in
A superb early Haida argillite totem pole carved in the late 19th century, displaying powerful and unusual imagery by an early un-named master carver. The composition begins with a seal poised above the head of a shaman, identifiable by the traditional bone nose ring—a rare and culturally significant detail in early argillite carving. Below, a diving killer whale emerges with its tail dramatically curled over its back, rendered with the fierce expression and fluid formline typical of pre‑1900 Haida carvings. At the base sits a bear holding a dead human figure across its knees, a potent motif referencing transformation, dominance, and the complex relationships between humans and crest beings in Haida cosmology.
The pole exhibits the smooth surfaces, deep carving, and narrative clarity associated with the finest Skidegate workshop pieces of the period. Works of this age and quality are increasingly scarce, making this an exceptional example for advanced collectors of Haida argillite.
