Model Totem Pole
Late 19th century. Haida, Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada
Donated by M. Doncaster, MAA 1959.275
This superbly carved slate totem pole depicts transformations between beaver, bear and human forms. Crest designs, typically based on non-human beings from the local environment, embody family histories and indicate privileged access to natural resources such as berry patches, salmon streams and clam beaches.
