Bella Bella, Northwest Coast, Cedar Totem, Circa 1875

Bella Bella

Circa 1875 | Wood | Item 2083

This early tourist totem was meant to hang on the wall, as the base is too diminished to have it stand. This totem is unusual for its being carved all the way through. This characteristic is part of what suggests that it’s from the Bella Bella tribe. The workmanship is quite fine having the qualities of the Northwest Coast classic era. All the faces show detailed work with mouth, nose, ears and eyes carefully executed. Much paint remains, however, much has been rubbed off over time.

The totem starts with the head of a bear followed by what appears to be the body, wings and tail of a bird. The tail has damage to it. On top of the bird rests a frog with all four legs and a detailed head. Above this is a beaver with all four legs and a detailed head. Its tail can been seen between its legs. Above the beaver is a bird, likely an eagle but possibly a raven. Seen are its wings and its head with the beak open supporting the tail of the next creature, likely that of a whale. But there is a trick here, as the head of the bird is also the tail of the whale. The whole body of the bird (Raven?) could also be that of a whale. Supported above the tail of the whale is the final animal which is a bear. The body of the bear is seen as if its arms are wings, its body being shaped more like that of a bird. The head above the body is clearly a bear, copying the same features as seen at the base of the totem.