1964 Vintage Chief Don Lelooska Large Carved & Brightly Painted Totem Pole 6 Ft

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1964 Vintage Chief Don Lelooska Large Carved & Brightly Painted Totem Pole 6 Ft:
$19950.00

Up for sale is this large exquisitely carved and brightly painted totem by Chief Don Lelooska (Don Smith, Native American, 1933 - 1996). Custom ordered by our family and completed by Chief Lelooska of Ariel, Washington in 1964 this Western red cedar totem has always spent its life inside carefully protected from the sun and rain. The totem only shows a few scuffs and wear from handling. The totem is cedar in Kwakintle style.Don Lelooska or Smith was the first born of Mary Smith, Cherokee, Shona (Hah). Adopted by the Kwakiutl. Lelooska who name means He Who Cuts Against Wood, was taught the craft of carving by his grandfather Hi-Keller. During the years of his childhood, Lelooska and his grandfather He-Killer were inseparable companions. The memory of the hours they spent carving and talking together were very precious to Lelooska. Although Lelooska was of Cherokee descent, he transcended the normal confines of any single tribe. His life was devoted to the quest for knowledge, which made him an authority on the Indians of North America. Of particular interest to him were “The Cedar and Salmon People”—the tribes of the northwest coast. He made preserving their arts his life work. During the 1950s Lelooska carved for the tourist trade helping in the revitalization of Northwest Coast art and was one of a handful of artists who proved critical in the renaissance of Northwest Coast Indian art. In the 1970s till the early 90s he educated the young about his great Indian heritage founding the Lelooska Foundation and developing the "living history program."
One of his totems is displayed at the Christ Church International Airport in New Zealand, another at the Oregon Zoo, and another outside the Lelooska Museum in Ariel, WA. Don carved the world's tallest single-piece carved totem of 140' red cedar in Kalama, Washington.
Lelooska’s work is highly prized by collectors. He was primarily a wood sculptor, well known for his versatility. His pieces range is size from those that can be held in the palm of the hand to huge totem poles. Opening masks, carved panels, feast bowls, rattles and animal sculpture are a few examples of the types of carvings which he enjoyed making.
Chief Lelooska passed away in September of 1996. The chieftancy was passed to his brother, Tsungani. His legacy of educational programs continues to this day at the Lelooska Cultural Center, where young and old come to learn from the living history programs, museum collection and other activities.
The totem pole measures 6' 2" tall , 11-1/4" wide and 11-1/2" deep. It weighs 65 lbs.
The top figure is THUNDERBIRD (TSOONA) with folded wing. A crest of the Tsoo'tsuna clan of the Awaitlala tribe of Knight Inlet. The original ancestor of this clan who became a man and was maker of thunder, lightning and great storms. Second figure is Grizzly Bear ( Walas Nane or Wa'likin) clan ancestor of the Wa'walibui clan of theKwakiutl and symbol of strength and power holding a rival chief.
Included are some faded Oregonian newspaper articles on Chief Lelooska and a letter he wrote in 1964 describing the carved animal symbols in his creation. The letter has some soiling and fading.
The totem and other items available for perusal prior to a purchase and free pickup available in Vancouver, Washington.