A piece of History: Model Totem Pole by Charlie James (1875-1938)

• Nation: Kwakwaka' wakw art, Kwakiutl art, native artists Vancouver Island
• Artist: James, Charlie (1875-1938)
• Type: Totem

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This is a great opportunity to get a fabulous piece of History.

Model Totem Pole by Charlie James, (1875-1938), a member of the Kwakwakaw’wakw Nation.

Depicting the Eagle over the Human holding a Seal (we estimate the date of it between 1905 - 1915 to the best of our knowledge)

Mungo Martin apprenticed with Charlie James, from a young age, and they completed many totem poles, masks and other carvings together. The name of the master-carver who taught Charlie has been lost to history. Ellen Neel had the good fortune of learning to carve from her uncle, Mungo Martin, and her grandfather, Charlie James. These are some of the people who helped keep the culture alive during their time, and passed on their knowledge.

This piece of early art is traditional, hand carved, hand painted, very beautiful example of early Indigenous art. Showing his signature on the back of the pole. This is old, so it does show signs of aging but is overall in great condition. Please have a close look, it truly has so much character. Early/old restoration in the eagle's front/wing area's, some glue visible. Non-threatening lines/cracks due to aging wood, see images, I'm providing close-ups as always.  

Yes, even though he carved many of these model totems, a lot of them have been lost over the years and they will be more and more difficult to find in the future.

Measurements: 15” tall, 9” wingspan, base is 4” x 3 ½”

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Each piece we show is the original and is the piece you’ll receive!

We do not offer “similar or different than image shown”, copies, reproductions, mass-produced, machine made or so called native-inspired/native-style knock-off pieces.

Note: Invoice in CAD, no overseas shipping, USD amounts based on average weekly exchange rate, shipping within one business day. 

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Charlie James, (1875 – 1938) a highly creative and very productive artist, Charlie James (or Yakuglas), carved many pieces for traditional use within Kwakiutl / Kwakwaka'wakw culture, in addition hundreds of model totems and other...Artist bio and other available works »