Description
Kwakiutl Totem
Date: 1958
Artist: Charlie George Walkus (1907-1974)
Materials: cedar, red, black, yellow and white pigments
Dimensions: 11” T x 3 ½” x 3 1/3” . Wingspan 4 ¾”
Description: A special rare Blunden Harbour model totem pole by one of the famed makers that rarely become available. The totem features a Thunderbird, diving whale and a grimacing face on the bottom. Excellent original condition with nicely bright preserved pigments. There is a rare inscription on the base, dating and identifying the carver.
Biography:
Charlie George Walkus was a member of the Gwasala tribe. His mother was a woman named Janet, from Rivers Inlet, and his father was George Walkus, an accomplished carver and a contemporary of Willie Seaweed. He began carving as a young boy, making model totem poles to sell to tourists. He continued to make art for sale throughout his life, but he also carved and painted ceremonial art for Kwakwaka’wakw clients. His work can be seen as part of the continuum now identified as the Blunden Harbour-Smith Inlet substyle. (Macnair, 1984)
