Vintage Landing Eagle and Orca model totem pole measures 12 x 3 x 3, priced at $579. The piece is signed, but passing time has made the artist’s pencil mark rather illegible, and we have no specific information about the artist to offer. The date reads 1979. However, the piece is clearly vintage Red Cedar and the design is Northwest native in origin, we have no doubt.

Take a close look at the intriguing design. The regal Landing Eagle is coming to rest atop the forward-tipped tail flukes of the fierce Orca whale. This design is not very common, but has beautiful movement and fluidity.

The Native Eagle Symbol is known as “The master of skies” and is a symbol of great significance. He is believed to be the creature with the closest relationship with the creator. Soaring to great heights, he can travel between the physical and the spiritual world. He is said to be a messenger to the creator. Unlike the raven’s ability to send messages down, the eagle sends messages and prayers up to the Creator. The Eagle signifies focus, strength, peace, leadership, and ultimate prestige.

Also known as the “Lord of the Ocean” the Killer whale is said to be the guardian of the ocean, with seals as his slaves and dolphins as his warriors. It is believed that Killer Whales are closely related to humans, and it is said that when a human drowns the human is taken down by Killer Whales into their deep villages and transformed into a Killer Whale. Some tribes believe that the Killer Whale will purposefully take down whole canoes to come closer to their loved ones.

For the Haida, Sgaana xaaydagaay, the killer whale people, are among the most powerful of the people from the sea. Stories tell of Haida ancestors putting on skins of killer whales to enter the realm of the spirit world, where killer whale people and humans visit, communicate and feast together.

Thank you spiritsofthewestcoast.com