Artist/Maker
Maker once known
Place MadeSeattle, Washington, United States
Date1900-1940
Mediumwalrus ivory
Dimensions10 × 2 3/4 × 2 in. (25.4 × 7 × 5.1 cm)
Donor credit lineKendall Whaling Museum Collection Transfer
Object number2001.100.1674
Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum
DescriptionHalf-round-carved and polychrome-engraved walrus ivory souvenir totem pole, featuring the traditional stylized figures of a thunderbird (lacking wings) atop a bear, atop a human figure with a ceremonial copper (an emblem of wealth); mounted on a cross-section of walrus tusk. These were hand-carved by Native and non-Native artisans (including Chinese and Japanese immigrants), mostly in Seattle, Washington. This one replicates a Kwakiutl pole from Southeast Alaska. (The wings would have been two separate, transverse pieces of walrus ivory, inserted in slots on the left and right of the thunderbird figure.Label TextMaker once known, totem pole, 1900-1940. Walrus ivory, 10 x 2 3/4 x 2 in., New Bedford Whaling Museum, 2001.100.1674.ProvenanceEx Rider CollectionOn View
Not on view
circa 1920
1900-1940
20th Century
ca. 1800
Komoneseok, Billy "Billiken" (same as Billy Kamoneseok)
