Monumental Northwest Coast Polychromed Wood Totem Pole

deeply carved with a bird, probably a raven, talons curled under and wings hugging the torso, with sharply downturned beak, exaggerated eye sockets and tall ears, surmounted in turn by a human face, with grimacing expression, and a beaver, holding a rod in its mouth, with flaring nostrils, pointed oval eye rims beneath thick arching brows and rounded ears; remains of red, black and white pigments.

The pole was outside but protected on a covered porch for the past several years. The pole was fumigated and inspected and found to be stable and in good condition. Overall wear consistent with age.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

See Wherry, 1974, pp. 77-84: "Superstition, common among aboriginal cultures, combined with an abstract religious concept, was destined to produce a vast mythology...Lineage was only one aspect of the regional totemism, but when blended with personal mysticism, the custom flowered...BEAVER, called Tsing by the Haida...bestows 'medicine power' and ability to change snow or bitterly cold weather to rain or mist by chanting a song...Around 1800, the symbol of a beaver on a totem pole indicated that the owner was very wealthy...RAVEN was the most popular crest figure in the north...Possesors of this spirit are fine hunters."