#19 • Exceptional Northwest Coast Cedar Totem Pole - Scott Jensen

Part of June 2026 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $2,500.00

Status: Sold

Category: Ethnographic Objects

An impressive monumental Northwest Coast style cedar totem pole by master carver Scott Jensen, standing more than three feet in height and exhibiting exceptional depth of carving, bold formline design, and a beautifully balanced composition. Executed in rich tones of reddish-brown, dark brown, and black, the sculpture demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of traditional Northwest Coast aesthetics while showcasing the artist's highly refined hand and more than five decades devoted to the art of totem carving. The vertical composition is crowned by three seated chief figures wearing woven hats above a commanding raven with sweeping beak and expansive ovoid eyes. Descending the pole are additional crest beings including what appears to be a frog, bear, and beaver, interwoven with smaller ancestral faces and secondary figures that emerge seamlessly from one another. Deep undercutting, crisp transitions, and carefully sculpted negative space create a dynamic work that reveals new details from every angle while preserving the strong architectural presence characteristic of Northwest Coast carving. Scott Jensen began carving totem poles in 1972 and spent decades studying the art, symbolism, and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast before becoming an accomplished instructor himself, teaching carving and tool making throughout Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. His work brought him to communities across Southeast Alaska, where he developed lasting relationships within the Native carving community. In 2010, he and his wife were formally adopted into a Tlingit family 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, in recognition of decades of friendship, cultural respect, and artistic dedication. Unlike the countless souvenir carvings produced for the tourist market, this sculpture is a serious and ambitious work distinguished by its commanding scale, confident execution, and masterful understanding of Northwest Coast formline design. The restrained palette allows the beauty of the cedar grain to remain visible while emphasizing the sculptural quality of the composition, resulting in an imposing display piece equally suited to collections of Northwest Coast art, Alaskana, and contemporary wood sculpture. Mounted on a complementary painted wooden base with protective felt underside. Initialed en verso and dated circa 1998. Measures approximately 6.75" x 7.25" x 38.5" tall. Note Regarding Shipping Services: This item is exceptionally large and/or heavy, and may require custom boxing or crating depending on the intended destination and available carrier services. For more information prior to bidding, please email us at Shipping@AlaskaPremierAuctions.com or call/text us at 907.570.7050.