UNIDENTIFIED NORTHWEST COAST ARTIST, Kitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art (‘Ksan)
Multi-Figure Model Hollow Back Totem Pole, c. 1970s
carved alder wood, 24.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 in (62.2 x 11.4 x 11.4 cm)
unsigned.

ESTIMATE: $2,000 — $3,000

Provenance
Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria;
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Toronto.

This multi-figure, hollowed-back model pole features, from top, what appears to be a raven, wolf, and bear that is carved in the style of the Kitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Art (‘Ksan). The wings of the raven figure feature the characteristically angular formline that ‘Ksan was known for, which Bill Holm has described as being “based on the style that Pasco was working in at the time [in the 1970s].” [1] So consistent in style were the objects made in these classes that, unless signed, it is nearly impossible to discern a specific maker. That said, this pole reflects the high standards of quality of ‘Ksan pieces and is a fine example of the genre.

1. Aldona Jonaitis and Aaron Glass, The Totem Pole: An Intercultural History (Seattle/Vancouver: University of Washington Press, 2010), p. 194.





Christopher W. Smith