Squamish / Coast Salish art. Hand carved and painted Totem Pole. 45" high including stand. A human above a black bear carved on the chest of an eagle.
This totem pole illustrated the connectedness of all life in Native culture on the northwest coast. The human figure is not separate from the animals that occupy the land. They are intimately related. All three forms of life depend on salmon as the primary food source. Humans, eagles and bears all fish the same waters and share the same habitat. Native people have lived in harmony in a reciprocal relationship with the animals, the undersea creatures and the birds since time immemorial. The artist's understanding and respect for these beings is evident in the carving. His cultural background and training is also evident. Cody Mathias is part of a direct line from Chief Capilano, a hereditary Chief's line.
