Carved Totem Pole Appraisal

Carved Wooden Totem Pole

This is a tall, hand-carved wooden totem pole standing approximately 6 to 7 feet high, exhibiting a vertical stack of zoomorphic figures. The top-most figure is an owl with outspread wings, featuring intricate feather patterns on the chest and a decorative metallic crown or mesh element at the top. Below the owl is a sequence of figures, likely representing a fish or whale, followed by smaller bird-like or human-like crests, and ending in a base pillar with cross-hatched carvings. The wood is naturally weathered with a grayish-brown patina, suggesting it has been exposed to the elements or is of significant age, likely mid-20th century or later. It is mounted into a heavy circular metal base for stability. The carving shows rustic craftsmanship with visible tool marks across the wings and body, indicating it was sculpted by hand rather than mass-produced. There are noticeable surface drying cracks (checking) throughout the grain, particularly in the lower vertical segments, which is common for solid timber carvings. No specific maker's marks or signatures are visible in the photograph. The style appears to be an interpretation of Pacific Northwest indigenous art, though it may be a decorative folk art reproduction.