Model Totem Pole Item Number: A8072 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Model totem pole with two animal figures depicted. A bear figure forms the base of the pole with a raven perched at the top. The raven has its head and wings tucked in against its breast. The pole is painted blue, black, red, and orange.
History Of Use
Traditionally, Coast Salish sculptures took the form of large-scale houseposts and boards, which were decorated with realistic looking animal, human and supernatural figures. Totem poles, originally only carved by their northern neighbours, became more popular in the early 20th century as tourist art. Many scholars feel that traditional styles of Coast Salish "art" were overlooked because it expressed private, non-secular experiences of the makers and they were reticent to discuss it or sell it to individuals outside of their communities. Miniature carved objects, such as totem poles and canoes, were popular forms of tourist art in the 20th century and are found in many museum collections.
Cultural Context
contemporary art; tourist art
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada between 1950 and 1962
- Owned by Chief Charlie Solwheymault
- Owned by Edith Bevan Cross before July 30, 1962
- Received from Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on July 30, 1962
What
- Name
- Model Totem Pole
- Identification Number
- A8072
- Type of Item
- totem pole
- Material
- paint and wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and painted
- Overall
- height 5.7 cm, width 5.3 cm, depth 29.8 cm
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Quwutsun'
- Previous Owner
- Chief Charlie Solwheymault and Edith Bevan Cross
- Received from
- Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Duncan, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Collection Date
- between 1950 and 1962
- Ownership Date
- before July 30, 1962
- Acquisition Date
- on July 30, 1962
Other
- Condition
- poor
- Current Location
- Case 6
- Accession Number
- 0081/0090