Northwest Coast Polychromed Wood Figure, probably Haida

standing on a block base, painted in red, black and blue pigments with totemic crest designs, legs slightly parted, the right hand holding a staff, wearing a feathered suit with wings and a tail, overlaid across the shoulders with a tunic incised with an animal, probably a bear, and a conical hat with three potlatch rings, the humanized face, with a detachable beak, pointed oval eyerims below thick arching brows, and pairs of hands with finger tips touching carved in low relief over the ears; the whole with rich, dark brown patina.

Lord Bossom (1881-1965),
By descent to The Honorable Sir Clive Bossom, BT. 
Sold Christie's London, June 1979, lot 209
Private Collection, Greenwich CT
Sold Sotheby's New York, May 2008, lot 22
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Very good original condition. Hairline splits on the back, and on the hat.
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.

This figure was illustrated in 1924 in the Brooklyn Standard Union with Lord Alfred Bossom who, as treasurer of the Architectural League of New York,  "offered prizes for designs based on Native American art in an effort to bring into practical use hidden art and architecture." For a related carving identified as a potlatch figure please see Gilbert T. Vincent, Masterpieces of American Indian Art from the Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection, New York, 1995, p. 7.