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Bear and Whale Totem Figurine
Bear and Whale Totem Figurine

Bear and Whale Totem Figurine

Artist (Nitinat | Nootka)
Nametotem figurine
DateUnknown
Mediumwood
Dimensions12 15/16 × 3 5/8 × 3 9/16 in. (32.8 × 9.2 × 9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Don and Rita Morgan
CultureNitinat | Nootka
Inscribed12" BEAR + SHIELD^WOLF^WHALE^CARVED BY^ ERIC WILLIAMS^TRIBE NITANAT^ Carved on reverse of whale.
Object numberA2018-3-26
ClassificationsMay Collection
DescriptionHand carved cedar wood figurine; square base has six small whale tails carved on front of base; all figures are stylized, beginning at apex is a bear holding a shield with human face, and standing on the back of a small wolf, which is standing atop a whale's body which is curved back over its head and tail is bisected by the dorsal fin; the bottom of the figurine, the whale's head, is attached to the base with two nails; wood is dark brown, and some areas are darkened, possibly with ink, for better visual effect.

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