OLD ARGILLITE TOTEM POLE – ARTHUR MOODY (1885-1967) – HAIDA ART (BRITISH COLUMBIA - CANADA)

Arthur Moody is a Northwest Coast Haida Native artist belonging to the Tanu Wolf clan. He is a master carver from Skidegate on Kiis Gwaay (the Haida name for Graham Island) part of Haida Gwaii, the Haida name for the Queen Charlotte Islands (British Columbia, Canada). Arthur Moody was born in 1885 and passed away in 1967. He comes from a family rich in Haida artists, his son Rufus and his stepfather Thomas are both acclaimed artists. Together, these three generations of a single family have made significant contributions to the argillite carving tradition. Arthur once carved a 48" argillite totem pole and used the proceeds to build his home in Skidegate. In addition to being a master argillite carver, Arthur was musically talented. He played the cornet and conducted local ensembles on Haida Gwaii as well as in northern British Columbia.

For many, Haida art plays an important role in the development of the Pacific Northwest Coast native art styles. There is one distinct difference in Haida art compared to other West Coast native art cultures, the black slate material called argillite. This black argillite is only found on Haida Gwaii and is carved by many Haida artists. These carvings often depict a West Coast Native story, mythical spirits, animals, Haida family crests, replicas of totem poles, bentwood boxes, canoes and other carvings, as well as contemporary interpretations.

This argillite totem pole features on the top an eagle holding a salmon in its talons. Below the eagle there is a raven having in his beak an object with inscriptions and a fish. At the down side is a beaver holding a branch. All atop an integral plinth (one carved piece of argillite).

An inscription, scratched into the back of the totem pole, reads "CARVED BY ARTHUR MOODY SKIDEGATE MISSION”.

Native symbols.

The native symbol of totem eagle is known as “the master of skies”. Although every part of the eagle has separate and significant meanings, the Eagle as a whole signifies focus, great strength, peace, leadership and incredible prestige. He is believed to be the creature with the closest relationship with the creator. By soaring great heights, he can travel between the physical world and the spiritual world. He is said to be a messenger to the creator. Unlike the raven’s ability to send messages down, the eagle sends messages and prayers to the Creator.

The native symbol of totem raven: mischievous and curious the Raven is the cultural focus of the Native Northwest Coast People. He symbolizes creation, knowledge, prestige as well as the complexity of nature and the subtlety of truth. He also symbolizes the unknown and is there to show that every person sees the world in a different way as another. The Raven was often called upon to clarify truths in visions, as the wise elders knew that what the eye sees is not always the truth. Many of the original peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast refer to him as a god, and it is believed by some that messages from the creator or the cosmos are buried in the wings of the Raven only to be released to the families most deserving of his knowledge. The Raven is a long distance healer and is known as the “keeper of secrets,” he helps us in our lives by exposing the truth of kept secrets that could potentially harm us, in doing so he helps us back to good health.

The native symbol of totem beaver: In Native American tradition, the Beaver teaches people to have the ability to be productive in all ways and not to limit their options. He teaches to be persistent and to use available resources. The Beaver helps people to understand the dynamics of team work and to appreciate each individual’s talents and contributions in order to accomplish anything. He is a determined, builder of the mind, body and soul and symbolises creativity, creation, cooperation, persistence and harmony. The Beaver also is a serious, hard worker and will not quit his job until he is done.

Measures: This argillite pole is 18 cm high including the argillite base (without the wooden base). The pole is about 3.7 cm wide and 3.5 cm deep. The argillite base is 6 cm wide and 5.7 cm deep.

Sold with a black painted wooden base.

Weight: 396 gr. (without the wooden base)

Condition: The totem pole is in good condition, except a small chip to the eagle’s beak (left side). Look carefully to the pictures which are an integral part of the description. Consequently any damage or repair to the object not mentioned in the text, but visible in the photos, are considered to be described.

The description and explanation of the item have been made in good faith and to the best of my knowledge. The dimensions are measured manually and are therefore approximate. Colors may differ slightly from the original colors. This is a private sale as I am not a professional seller; I am a collector who liquidates his collection. Therefore, I do not accept returns unless in very exceptional cases. In any case, the return costs are to be paid by the buyer. I hope you will understand this. Please don’t hesitate to request before purchasing all information you need. Your satisfaction and positive feedback is very important to me. If you have any problems with the item or services, please feel free to contact me first before you leave negative feedback. I will do my best to solve any problems.

By purchasing this item, the buyers expressly declare that they are fully aware of the regulations and laws of their own country regarding the import of the purchased goods and that the seller cannot be held responsible for any costs or for any problems that may arise in their own country such as for example, the payment of taxes and duties, or the seizure or even the destruction by the customs or other authorities.

Combined shipping: If you would like to buy several objects at the same time, combined shipping is possible if those objects can easily be stored in the same package. In principle the shipping costs will only be charged once.