Model Totem Pole, 1979 by Harry Schooner, Bella Coola First Nation

Model Totem Pole, 1979 Harry Schooner, Bella Coola First Nationred cedar, pigment, copper signature plate36.5" high x 8.5" wide x 5" deepThis model pole tells the story of the Snuxyaltwa Smayusta (Story of Origin) of the Bella Coola First Nation. The figures on this model depict Thunderbird, Killer Whale, Bear with Human, Loon, and Sun (top to Bottom. A wonderful addition to this pole is a repoussé copper signature plate depicting an eagle design, the artist's signature and the date the pole was made.  Bella Coola master carver Harry Schooner's ancestral village is at Talyu (South Bentinck), and the Schooner Family are Talyuumc. Harry is well known for his traditional full size and model totem pole carving. In August of 2009 at Talyu, a full size totem pole similar to this model pole was carved and raised to mark sovereign Nuxalk Territory and to protect the land and water from exploitation by the government and logging corps. Known for his traditional totem pole carvings, Harry acted