Exquisite Scott Jensen (Adopted Tlingit) Northwest Coast Cedar Totem Pole c.1998

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Exquisite Scott Jensen (Adopted Tlingit) Northwest Coast Cedar Totem Pole c.1998:
$13995.00

Standing an impressive 38.75 inches tall, this museum-quality sculpture represents one of Jensen's finest early gallery works. It was purchased directly from Seattle's renowned Stonington Gallery in December 1997 for $10,800, making it evident the carving had only just been completed in anticipation of the 1998 exhibition season. Adjusted for inflation, the original purchase price equates to approximately $22,400 today.

Scott Jensen began carving Northwest Coast art in 1972, dedicating decades to studying the traditions, symbolism, and design principles of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. He went on to teach carving and traditional tool making throughout Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska, developing longstanding relationships within Southeast Alaska's Native carving community. In recognition of decades of friendship, cultural respect, and artistic dedication, he and his wife were formally adopted into a Tlingit family in 2010 by Fred Sał kaa and Ivy Gunalshowaxeex Fulmer, receiving membership in the Chookaneidí Eagle, Brown Bear and Porpoise Clan and the T'akdeintaan Raven, Frog and Black-legged Kittiwake Clan, respectively.

Unlike the countless decorative carvings produced for the tourist trade, this is a serious collector's work distinguished by its commanding scale, confident execution, and exceptional understanding of Northwest Coast formline design. Deeply sculpted relief, crisp transitions, and a restrained palette allow the warmth and beauty of the cedar to remain an integral part of the composition while emphasizing the sculptural quality of the work. Pieces of this caliber seldom become available outside established collections.

While Jensen is best known for masks, bentwood boxes, paddles, and smaller carvings, monumental totem poles of this quality are encountered only rarely. His largest documented sale result exceeded $24,000 for an eight-foot example, while works of this scale and quality are far more commonly found in prominent private collections than on the open market.

Condition is very good overall. There is a very small area of paint loss along the edge of the base. Additionally, a faint vertical line is visible across the frog's tongue, consistent with an old, professionally stabilized repair. It is extremely difficult to detect during normal display and does not detract from the sculpture's outstanding presentation. Both areas could easily be addressed by a qualified conservator with carefully matched paint if desired, though I have intentionally left the sculpture exactly as acquired.

An exceptional opportunity to acquire a documented gallery masterpiece by one of the foremost contemporary interpreters of Northwest Coast carving traditions. Whether destined for a museum-quality collection of Northwest Coast art, Alaskana, or important contemporary wood sculpture, this is a work that immediately commands attention.The totem will be professionally packaged and shipped via 2nd day air, fully insured, with signature confirmation.