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Nuu-chah-nulth Model Totem

Nuu-chah-nulth Model Totem

This Nuu-chah-nulth model pole depicts the iconic Tlingit ā€œSeattle Totemā€ that stands in the Pioneer Square neighborhood in downtown Seattle. Written on the back of the pole: "Indian hand-carved replica of totem pole in Pioneer Square, Seattle Rotary Cup, 1937.ā€

The top figure is partially missing, otherwise in good vintage condition. The original, full-sized pole was Tlingit in origin and belonged to the Tongass people, near the US-Canadian border in Southeastern Alaska. It was stolen by a group of vacationing Seattle businessman in 1899 and ā€œgiftedā€ to the city of Seattle, which installed it in Pioneer Square.

The original pole gifted to the city was damaged by arson in 1938 and replaced in 1940 by Tlingit carvers working for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Fun fact: Although totem poles have become a symbol of the City of Seattle, the Indigenous Salish people of Puget Sound did not historically carve multi-figure, free standing monumental poles. The Seattle Totem was the first documented totem pole to be raised in Puget Sound territory. 8"

PERIOD: Mid 20th Century

ORIGIN: Northwest Coast - Nuu-chah-Nulth, Native American

SIZE: 8"

$900.00
Nuu-chah-nulth Model Totem—
$900.00

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Description

This Nuu-chah-nulth model pole depicts the iconic Tlingit ā€œSeattle Totemā€ that stands in the Pioneer Square neighborhood in downtown Seattle. Written on the back of the pole: "Indian hand-carved replica of totem pole in Pioneer Square, Seattle Rotary Cup, 1937.ā€

The top figure is partially missing, otherwise in good vintage condition. The original, full-sized pole was Tlingit in origin and belonged to the Tongass people, near the US-Canadian border in Southeastern Alaska. It was stolen by a group of vacationing Seattle businessman in 1899 and ā€œgiftedā€ to the city of Seattle, which installed it in Pioneer Square.

The original pole gifted to the city was damaged by arson in 1938 and replaced in 1940 by Tlingit carvers working for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Fun fact: Although totem poles have become a symbol of the City of Seattle, the Indigenous Salish people of Puget Sound did not historically carve multi-figure, free standing monumental poles. The Seattle Totem was the first documented totem pole to be raised in Puget Sound territory. 8"

PERIOD: Mid 20th Century

ORIGIN: Northwest Coast - Nuu-chah-Nulth, Native American

SIZE: 8"