Model Totem Pole
Artist
Bill Reid
(North American Indian, Haida, 1920 - 1998)
Dateca. 1965
MediumArgillite
DimensionsOverall: 13 1/8 × 3 5/8 × 3 7/8 inches (33.35 × 9.21 × 9.84 cm)
Credit LineFrom the Estelle and Morton Sosland Collection
Object number2009.41.26
Signedbottom on base: "Reid 65"
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 206
Collections
Gallery LabelThis extraordinary carving is one of only four argillite model totem poles by renowned Northwest Coast artist Bill Reid, who is perhaps best known for his large public sculptures. Continuing a tradition of model poles begun around 1880, Reid has created a tour de force in this intricately detailed, complex composition depicting an eagle, frog, human figures, bear mother and cubs, and killer whale. Argillite, utilized by Haida carvers since at least the 1820s, is dense, carbonaceous shale that is black in color, smooth in texture and medium soft in hardness.
Torrence, Gaylord, ed. Continuum: North American Native Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Kansas City: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Copyright© Bill Reid Estate
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