made in Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, Canada
This slatestone model totem pole was made for sale by the Haida, Canadian Indians of the north-west coast of America. It dates from between 1860 and 1923.
The carving on the pole represents a sea-monster with a bear's head and a whale's fins and tail, surmounted by a squatting human figure wearing a chief's cylindrical hat.
The Haida were widely known for their art. They produced elaborate totem poles carved with crests representing important events in family histories. These were used both inside and outside the home. In the late 20th century the Haida numbered only about 2000.
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