Model Totem Pole Item Number: A8761 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Miniature carved totem pole with a flat, uncarved back mounted on a rectangular wooden base. Three figures, from bottom: frog, human face, and a raven wearing a conical hat. Pole and base are painted yellow, red, green, blue, and black. Large label with typewritten information about the pole is affixed to the back.

Narrative

A large paper label with typewritten information is affixed to the back, which reads: "This Totem-pole is genuine Indian handicraft. It was carved by Doo-put-shee a master-carver of the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The figures relate to a time when according to Indian mythology, animals had dual personality and could think human thoughts and perform men's actions. Totem poles are not idols although they have a religious implications. Totem poles record heraldry, genealogy historic events and legends. They are also connected with a well-defined social system, a primitive Who's Who of a people who had no written language of their own. The figures on the pole are, TOP GREAT SUPERNATURAL RAVEN Crest of the raven clan. MIDDLE SUN BOX in which Great Raven kept the sun and daylight. BOTTOM FROG Crest of a prominent clan and connected with important legends of the Pacific Coast."

Item History

What

Name
Model Totem Pole
Identification Number
A8761
Type of Item
totem pole
Material
wood, paint and metal
Overall
height 53.0 cm, width 17.5 cm, depth 14.5 cm

Who

Culture
Nuu-chah-nulth
Creator
Doo-Put-Shee (Maker)
Previous Owner
George H. Raley
Received from
H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George H. Raley (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
before 1934
Collection Date
between 1893 and 1934
Ownership Date
before November 1948
Acquisition Date
during November 1948

Other

Condition
good
Accession Number
1960/0555