Folk Art Indian Chief Whirligig Native American Wind Toy

Early 20th century American double sided whirligig figure A brilliant example of early 20th century American Folk Art. In the form of a hand carved wooden double sided whirligig f...

Totem poles are among the most recognisable artistic expressions of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, including communities across present-day Alaska and British Columbia. Traditionally carved from monumental cedar trunks, these sculptural forms served as visual records of lineage, status, mythology, and clan identity. The figures depicted—often animals, supernatural beings, and ancestral spirits—were arranged in carefully structured sequences, each contributing to narratives that communicated family histories, cultural values, and sacred traditions. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, smaller-scale carvings inspired by these monumental poles began to circulate beyond their original contexts, finding appreciation among travellers and collectors drawn to the distinctive visual language of Northwest Coast art. Today, they remain powerful reminders of the storytelling traditions and artistic ingenuity of the region. This carved and painted wooden totem pole presents a lively vertical composition inspired by the narrative traditions of Alaskan Indigenous carving. Rich in character and decorative appeal, the sculpture combines a succession of stylised figures, each distinguished by expressive carving and bold polychrome ornament. The uppermost section is dominated by the head of a bird, with a pronounced beak, wide circular eyes, and striking red and black painted details that immediately command attention. Beneath it appears a stylised fish rendered horizontally across the composition, its curved form creating a visual transition between the figures above and below. Further down, a smiling mask-like face emerges from the structure, its animated expression lending warmth and individuality to the carving. Supporting the composition is a fourth figure with outstretched wing- or fin-like elements, highlighted with accents of blue, black, and white that contribute to the rhythm and balance of the overall design. The figures are arranged in the traditional stacked manner associated with totemic imagery, with incised detailing used to define facial features, plumage, scales, and other distinguishing characteristics. The painted decoration remains vibrant, softened only slightly through time, and continues to enhance the sculptural quality of the work. Of particular interest are the handwritten inscriptions on the reverse, reading "North American Indian Totem Pole...

Carved and painted wooden soldier whirligig. Early 20th century American. Soldier has a leather hat with wooden brim. Presented on simple custom museum...

A wonderfully hand-painted and decorated Native American Hopi Kachina Katsina doll. It is hand carved from light wood (likely cottonwood). Kachina figures are believed to act as me...

Carved Cigar Store Native American Indian, Shop Trade Sign This is a very rare find, he is an almost full size American Indian Chief, he is carved from one piece of wood ( a tree tr...

Large Carved Cigar Store Indian, Shop Trade Sign This is a very rare find, he is a full size American Indian, he is carved from one piece of wood ( a tree trunk, possibly pine ) The...

Early 20th century Folk Art whirligig figure We are proud to offer a true example of an early 20th century whirligig figure. Hand carved from scrat...

This massive TOTEM pole is an incredible example of outsider Folk Art. The pole was carved by Lair Forster in Ottawa in 1938 and is an eccentric interpretation of one of the iconic Thunderbird TOTEM Poles of Alert Bay. The painting on the wings is bold in yellow and red, and the designs are fascinating and recall modernist paintings of the period. The eyes of the thunderbird...

A wonderfully hand-painted and decorated Native American Hopi Kachina Katsina doll. We believe this was a child's cradle first Kachina doll. It is hand carved from light wood (likel...

Carved and painted Pine with rotating sheet iron swords, with black hair, mustache and beard, bicorn hat, blue jacket with tacks for buttons, black boots mounted on a yellow circular...