I found these four totems as a group. They're in various stages of completion. Do these look like they are credibly informed by First Nations' designs, or are they more likely the work of a hobbyist? They're all the same wood, though I don't think it's cedar. The wings on the one are held in place with a peg. The tallest is 9" and the figure on it seems to be holding a frog by his legs. Thank you.
to me , from here.....they look like red cedar wood , old growth, possibly saw mill cast offs or a beach find. The bear holding a frog is an unusual design , and the eagles standing on a frog, and the notched out back to hold a one piece pegged wing, lead me to suspect these were all native carved for a growing tourist market in the late 60's , early 70's . The 3 smaller ones show the carver was producing for sale to local stores....and likely died leaving these unfinished items to family members , later to blow in the wind.
Thank as always @komokwa! I so appreciate your opinions. "blowing in the wind," down the decades to me.....
Frogs have wide mouths and no teeth, and are seen as a creature of stability....( ever try to trip a Frog ?? ) and are well known to be at the bottom of a totem... this one looks to have ears.........but....? but , yes, as the carving is unfinished I'm using rule of thumb to speculate at the carves intent. here's another that seemingly has ears... and here's a Whatzit..... that's actually a frog.....with ears...that compliment the carved birds feet on the head, making the carving structure more solid..!
