Miniature totem pole brooch. A bear sits at bottom in an upright pose with knees bent, front legs raised so paws come together in front of chin. Body is red-brown. Face shows large green and black eyes, and a heavy brow, with an open mouth in red. On the bear’s head perches a large bird with wings fully spread, feathers painted in formline style on the front. Wedge shaped head has a large curved beak, and a ridge sits on top of head. Eyes are also green and black. Back of pole is undecorated but for a black line along top of wings. A metal stick pin is glued to back.

• Narrative

  Brooch was pinned to a rectangular piece of card that reads "totem pin, handmade by Ellen Neel. Vancouver, BC. 1958.

• Cultural Context

  Made for sale in the tourist market.

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• Type of Item brooch
• Culture Kwakwaka'wakw
• Material wood, metal, paint
• Measurements height 5.0 cm, width 3.8 cm, depth 1.6 cm (overall)

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• Creator Ellen Neel
• Previous Owner Turrall Adcock Moore
• Received from Turrall Adcock Moore

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• Made in Vancouver

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• Creation Date during 1958
• Ownership Date before October 17, 2016
• Acquisition Date on October 17, 2016

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• Condition excellent
• Accession Number 3204/0007