Hawk / Thunderbird

1 3/16" x 7/8"

Based loosely on a small figure on a house ("totem") pole from Skungwai (Ninstints, or Anthony Island), this face has "animal ears, bird's beak, and human mouth and nostrils" according to Halpin's Totem Poles: An Illustrated Guide. The nose of this face resembles a hawk's beak to my eye, but it is also possible that the original carving represents a supernatural thunderbird. Pictures of the pole in situ, taken 56 years apart are also featured in Halpin's book.