SHADOWS OF THE THUNDERBIRD

162. Miniature Hand Carved Totem

Modern tourist souvenir, had carved and painted, with explanatory label. Thunderbird and Beaver. 3" high, similar in form to no.72.

161. Bella Coola Totem, by Swityk

6" ceramic - soapstone ? - totem. Features Thunderbird wings outstretched on beavers head. Paper labels on base - 'Woodwards' price tag and 'Bella Coola - Canada' . Mass market tourism trade item made by Swityk and from same range as 'Nootka', No 160.

160. Nootka Totem, by Swityk

Black ceramic - totem, Thunderbird resting on beavers head. 8" high with buff highlights. Paper label beneath 'Swityk of Canada' Mass market tourist trade item cast in resin.

159. Tall Black Thunderbird Totem Pearlite

11" black resin - small label on base no tm

158. Small Black Thunderbird Pearlite

6" black resin, with maple Leaf label on rear. No makers mark

157. Large Unidentified Wooden Totem

Approx 12" high, light wood, handpainted. No visible marks or labels. Modern Malaysian manufacture ?

156. Shamans Raven & Bear

6" Ceramic composite totem, painted labelled 'Raven and Bear - Haida, Shamans, B.C'

155. Wooden Hesquiaht Totem

Mary Erdman Wooden totem, signed. 6" high, three parts

154. Colourful Stylised Resin Totem

153. Kelloggs Totem Tribe Cereal Premiums

Partial set of original releases

Mexican re-issues painted by author

Partial Set of smaller unknown maker copies

Gumball Machine card courtesy of Ebay

Latest original pieces - These models represent the origin of my fascination with totem poles, as they appeared in cereals about the time I was 8 years old and was collecting rubber monsters and space toys. The scary faces fitted right in with my other toys and would resurface many decades later when I received my first Boma model pole, No. 141.