Chief Don Lelooska Native American Totem Pole

About the Item

Chief Don Lelooska large carved and brightly painted totem. Came from a private collection in Utah. Inscribed "Lelooska." 85"H x 13" x 15 5/8" Don Lelooska (Don Smith, Native American, 1933 - 1996). Don Lelooska or Smith was the first born of Mary Smith, Cherokee, Shona (Hah). Adopted by the Kwakiutl. Lelooska who name means He Who Cuts Against Wood, was taught the craft of carving by his grandfather Hi-Keller. During the 1950s Lelooska carved for the tourist trade helping in the revitalization of Northwest Coast art and was one of a handful of artists who proved critical in the renaissance of Northwest Coast Indian art. In the 1970s till the early 90s he educated the young about his great Indian heritage founding the Lelooska Foundation and developing the "living history program." One of his totems is displayed at the Christ Church International Airport in New Zealand, another at the Oregon Zoo, and another outside the Lelooska Museum in Ariel, WA. Don carved many iconic totem poles in the American Northwest including the world's tallest single-piece carved totem of 140' red cedar in Kalama, WA. With framed 1981 poster and two Lelooska books "Stores of the Cedar People" and "Echoes of the Elders." 11"wide x 7 feet high. Includes four books Lelooska by Randall Faulk paperback; Lelooska the Traditional Art of the Mask by Douglas Congdon-Martin paperback; Free Spirit of the Cedar People More Stories and Paintings of Chief Lelooska by Christine Normandin hard cover; and Echoes of the Elders the Stories and Paintings of Chief Lelooska by Norman Dean hard cover. 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: 85 in (215.9 cm)Width: 15.63 in (39.71 cm)Depth: 13 in (33.02 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Copper,Wood

Period:

Mid-20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

Unknown

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Coeur d'Alene, ID