Description:

Wilfred Stevenson (First Nations / Canadian, Nisga'a / Nass River, 20th century). "Thunderbird, Bear with Slave" wooden totem sculpture, ca. 1958. Signed with title, location, and year on verso. A fine wooden totem pole hand-carved by Nisga'a artist Wilfred Stevenson depicting an anthropomorphic thunderbird with a giant wingspan perched atop a seated bear who holds a slave in his lap. Every totem, or pts'aan in the Nisga'a language, is a list of ayukws or crests. Nisga'a raise pts'aan to tell about the history of their families and property. Traditionally, when a chief raised a pts'aan, he hosted a feast and told his adaawak (traditional history). Raising a pts'aan is a sign of wealth. Size: 19.6" W x 21.9" H (49.8 cm x 55.6 cm)

Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000; ex-Leon LaFortune estate, Vancouver, BC, Canada

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#180602

  • Condition: Signed with title, location, and year on verso. Base is slightly uneven causing a bit of a wobble, but still able to stand independently of support. A few nicks and stable hairline fissures, but otherwise, intact and excellent with nice pigments.

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October 12, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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