SHADOWS OF THE THUNDERBIRD

272. Modern Cast Display Totem

An unusual and unique totem model, with no provenance or makers mark. Appears to have been cast in some kind of ceramic or plaster, possibly with a resin base. Over 18” high and about 2 kg in weight, it may have been purpose made for a display piece. Originally purchased in plain white finish, the author attempted to add colour detail and highlights over a gold base, but the softness of the detail and the smooth design made it difficult to render anything near satisfactory. A final coating of gloss black in the Boma or Pearlite style makes the figure sufficiently ambiguous to the casual observer, that the lack of authentic style and detail is less obvious.

271. NATURE STONE REPRO ARGILITE TOTEM

Reproductionnof a totem from Canadian Museum of Civilisation, a resin cast intended to simulate the mineral argilite.

Totem shows a bear holding a fish, surmounted by a whale (?) and finished with a Thunderbird.

See also No. 250 for another design in the same series

270. Kolus and Bear Pearlite Tribal Totem

Black resin totem, from the 'Tribal' series by Pearlite. 10" high. Features Thunderbird’s square headed brother ‘Kolus’ standing atop a sitting bear motif. Kolus has the image of a copper on his chest. Base has a further face decoration, possibly Beaver.

Probably from same sequence as N0. 95 'Cannibal Giant'.

269. Red Resin Thunderbird

An unusual 10” resin cast totem featuring Thunderird, Raven, Bear, Flounder and Salmon. Highly detailed with additional faces formed between the major figures. The round face on the Flounder may represent Moon and the smaller head beneath Thunderbird seems to be reptilian.

The base has a small ‘GM’ initial with a copyright symbol.

268. Grand Boma Resin Frieze

25” high and extremely heavy, cast resin mounted on hardwood base. This large frieze is similar to other smaller models made by Boma, but on a much grander scale. The design features an interconnected series of figures, including Thunderbird, Sea Wolf, Bear, Raven, Eagle and human figures, climbing, fighting and being consumed. The frieze displays well in the vertical or horizontal aspect. Stamped ‘Boma MFG Ltd’on rear.

Detail showing Bear communing with Eagle (?) figure.

Thunderbird captures his nemesis Killer Whale (Sea Wolf) which in turn besets a human figure below it.

267. Small Tribal Mask

Small shamanic mask model, about 3” high, with magnet attached. Amber resin, with painted details. Similar in style and form, to 266. Also similar in style and colouration to various Pearlite and Aalco totems.

Modern manufacture with price tag and barcode on rear.

266. Large Resin Tribal Mask

Life sized shamanic mask, made of amber coloured resin, with hand painted details. Measures about 11” high. No TM, leather hanging strap attached, eye, nose and mouth holes.

The mask itself is slightly distorted vertically, possibly due to manufacturing issues.

265. OLDE CURIOSITY SHOP TOTEM

Seven inch high resin reproduction of a Tsimshan style totem pole from 'Ye Olde Curiosity Shop' in Seattle, one of the very first vendors of souvenir First Nations materials.

264. Shamans Seal Grease Bowl

Large ceramic bowl fashioned in the shape of stylised seal. 10” long approx.

263. Boma Watchman Pawn Chesspiece

Part of a chess set designed by Christian M. White in 1997, the Watchman represents the pawn.

Figure is seated and shown wearing the tall hat as befits his status. 6cm high, black resin. The complete set comprises of 16 black figures and 16 white. See also Rook Bear and Raven Queen No. 11 and No 169