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Northwest Coast Thunderbird Figure

$2,500
£1,885.01
€2,172.21
CA$3,468.18
A$3,886.07
CHF 2,022.85
MX$47,540.12
NOK 25,676.32
SEK 24,250.98
DKK 16,216.01
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About the Item

Northwest Coast polychrome thunderbird figure. The carved cedar bird figure with two mounted outstretched wings. Carver Frank Smith, unisgned. 25.25" H x 49.75" W x 9.25" Frank Smith (1919-2006) was a prolific and important Makah artist who created several monumental poles that are still standing in locations across the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Smith was an important cultural teacher within his Makah community and is remembered as one of the most important Makah artists of the 20th century. Smith’s work had a distinctive look that combined bold Makah-style formline with naturalistic sculpture, particularly in how he carved human faces. He was fond of red, green, and black paints and sometimes utilized a grey undercoat on his sculpture. Smith’s pieces also regularly featured almond-shaped eyes, large, square, white teeth, and angular wings. This 32” pole is a classic example of Smith’s work and depicts a thunderbird with a face in its chest over an inverted killer whale with an anthropomorphized body. The surface of the pole within the u-forms and ovoids of the formline have also been worked with a knife to replicate the adze marks found on full-sized poles. Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 22.25 in (56.52 cm)Width: 49.75 in (126.37 cm)Depth: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)
  • Style:
    Native American (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Unknown
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Coeur d'Alene, ID
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: AK00571stDibs: LU4019345335632

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