Lot 89
Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, Nuu-chah-nulth (formerly Nootka or Nutka), ca. mid 20th century CE, signed by William Dennis Senior of the Ohiaht Band (b. 1923). A beautifully carved, totem pole-like wooden walking stick, stained and burnished to a bright red-brown. From the top down, it features a series of birds and anthropomorphic figures above a whale before smoothing out to a cylindrical base. Each is carved in the delightful style of the Pacific Northwest. The talking stick, also called a speaker's staff, is used in many Native American tribes, especially on the West Coast. It grants the authority to speak, and is typically carved by the person calling a meeting. Size: 2" W x 60" H (5.1 cm x 152.4 cm); 62.5" H (158.8 cm) on included custom stand.
William Dennis has totems in both the University of Washington and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. He was taught by his mother-in-law, Annie Williams. His signature is here as incised initials.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#144334
- Condition: Beautiful condition with very light surface wear. Surface is stained and burnished. Signature is incised on back. Further information is written in pencil on the back.
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