Vintage monumental Folk Art totem pole. This monumental folk art totem pole appears to have been carved with a chainsaw in a highly idiosyncratic style. It measures just under 12 feet tall and features six figures that appear to be, from the top: Thunderbird with spread wings, Bear, Bird (perhaps Raven), Beaver, another Bird, and what looks like a Diving Whale. The pole is painted in bright paints of orange, turquoise, white, black, and brown. The figures are somewhat difficult to interpret because this pole was carved by a non-Indigenous hobbyist who was not trained in a Northwest Coast tradition. This pole is an example of folk-art carving that likely dates to the mid-20th century. This pole was made in the context of totem poles becoming pop culture symbols of the American West, when American families became interested in exploring their own country by car in post-WWII America. This transition to an iconic pop cultural status for totem poles, combined with the mid-20th century fascination with scouting crafts and Tiki bar culture, meant that many large-scale poles were carved by hobbyists and woodworkers during this era. This pole is formerly from the collection of Marilyn Carter, author of the book Legends, Tales & Totems of Alaska (1986). Please note: In compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, this pole is not Native made and is instead presented as a hobbyist work of folk art. Just under 12 Feet

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PERIOD: Early 20th Century

ORIGIN: Alaska, United States

SIZE: Just under 12 Feet