75: JOHN LIVINGSTON (1959-2019) ATTR NW COAST WELCOME POLE

The massive chiseled cedar Welcome Pole is attributed to master carver John Livingston (1959-2019) and depicts Tsonoqua, Wild Woman of the Woods from the centuries old folklore of British Columbia indigenous culture KWAKWAKA'WAKW.

Created by the same artisans as the more familiar totem poles of the NW Coast indigenous peoples, Tsonoqua 'welcome pole' figures were also carved from massive cedar logs, and with their outstretched arms, served to welcome visitors. They also stood watch to guard and watch over one's property as well. Offending visitors could be buffeted by strong winds from Tsonoqua's lips, their canoe capsized as they attempted an escape.

Mike Livingston was a master carver who was adopted by the KWAKWAKA'WAKW peoples in a formal ceremony at the tribe's Long House near Fort Rupert. He studied carving at the Royal British Columbia Museum with legendary KWAKWAKA'WAKW indigenous carvers Henry Hunt and his son, Tony Hunt.


In the mythology of their people, Tsonoqua represents both parsimony and generosity, fear and mirth, ignorance and astuteness, power and wealth.
Measures 84 x 38 x 34 inches.
Very good condition, displaying the characteristics of age and exposure.
Provenance: The Morton and Estelle Sosland Collection.
$1,500 - $3,000