Model Totem Pole Item Number: 3648/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Model pole with a thunderbird on top and a masked human at the base. The bird on top has wings pointing upward, in black, red and green; a large yellow beak and feet; two small vertical black ears, green around its eyes and a red mouth. The human at the base is in a kneeling position and has bear claw hands in black outline, a red-brown body, a mask-like face with bright green across the eyes, red on the nose and mouth, and black painted hair on top. The middle section is rounded and painted in two shades of green. The pole is attached to an unpainted, square wooden base, with nail heads showing on the bottom. Artist name and date written on the back of the bird, in black, under the wings.
Narrative
The carved sequence on this model pole is referred to as Ellen Neel's "Totemland" design.
Item History
- Made by Ellen Neel (Maker) in British Columbia, Canada during 1959
- Owned by Gary R. Bell before October 26, 2023
- Received from Gary R. Bell (Donor) on October 26, 2023
What
- Name
- Model Totem Pole
- Identification Number
- 3648/1
- Type of Item
- totem pole
- Material
- wood, paint and metal
- Overall
- height 43.5 cm, width 19.5 cm, depth 17.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Ellen Neel (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Gary R. Bell
- Received from
- Gary R. Bell (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 1959
- Ownership Date
- before October 26, 2023
- Acquisition Date
- on October 26, 2023
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3648/0001