Hi Ashley,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Totem poles are deeply important to the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast because they are visual records of identity, history, and social order — not religious idols, as outsiders once believed. are like monuments or archives in wood. They record important events, alliances, marriages, stories of origin, and honors bestowed on individuals or clans.

While this is unsigned, it bears strong similarities to the totem poles of Frank Williams, a 20th Century Tlingit carver. Ones of smaller sizes by him have sold at auction for less than $1,000, making this large example worth between $1,500 and $2,500.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Native American Northwest Coast carved and painted totem pole
Possibly by Frank Williams (Tlingit, 20th Century)
20th Century
A stack of stylized native animals, including a frog, eagle, human, a raven and a whale, among others. On a rectangular base, unsigned.
60 inches tall
CONDITION: This appears to be in very good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 1,500-2,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia