18" vintage Model totem by Wesley Williams

SOLD

• Nation: Nuu-Chah-Nulth (Nootka) First Nations
• Artist: Williams, Wesley
• Type: Totem

as always, shipping is FREE to Canada and the US

Beautiful vintage piece – highly collectable and sought after

Red cedar Model Totem Pole by Wesley Williams

originating from Bamfield, Barclay Sound, a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations – Ohiat Indian Band. The word Ohiat has been modernized by the First Nations to “Huu-ay-aht” in the 1940’s. Wesley's grandfather moved his family to Seattle around the beginning of the 20th century to avoid for his children to be forced into the Canadian residential school system. The Indian Act from 1884 made attendance at residential schools compulsory for First Nations children. Some of the Williams family moved back to Canada and have settled again in the Nitinaht region, Bamfield and/or Port Alberni.

This piece really is remarkable. The details, the cut-outs, the expression in each character, clearly done by a master of this art. Estimated age: 1970’s. Signed underneath the base.

Measurements: 18” x 2” x 2 1/2”

Note: Overseas shipping is available, $65 CAD added at check-out

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

WesleyWilliams (1942 - 1992)  was a sixth generation Nitinaht carver of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. He was the son of Mike Williams and the grandson of Sam Williams. I am very lucky that I know several Williams family...Artist bio and other available works »