$151.53 $212.14
Looking for a unique, eye-catching totem pole with an incredible story?
This hand-carved wooden totem from 1975 is a true conversation piece!
🦅 Featuring a majestic Thunderbird sitting atop a mysterious Caveman (Forest Guardian), this vintage totem is full of character, culture, and craftsmanship.
✔ Hand-Carved & Signed – Marked “Jo Taqua 1975” on the base, adding a personal touch from the artist.
✔ Made of Cedar Wood – A traditional material used in Northwest Coast carvings (British Columbia, Canada). 🌲
✔ Cultural Symbolism – The Thunderbird is a powerful spirit in Indigenous legends, and the Forest Guardian represents a legendary wild forest figure (based on the Tsonoqua character from myth).
📏 Great Size for Display – 14 ¼ inches high (36.3 cm), 10 inches wide (25.5 cm), 5 inches deep (12.7 cm) – big enough to stand out, small enough to fit on a shelf.
✔️ Good Vintage Condition – The ears of the Thunderbird were carefully restored, some natural cracks in the wood (expected for a 50-year-old carving!), and the base is slightly loose but still sturdy. Please check the photos.
This totem is beautiful and delicate. Gentle handling is necessary. 🤍
🦅 The Thunderbird – The Mighty Protector
In some Northwest Coast stories the Thunderbird is regarded as a powerful guardian spirit said to flap its wings to create thunder and flash lightning from its eyes. ⚡ This mighty bird is often placed at the top of totem poles as a guardian spirit, watching over everything below.
🌿 The Forest Guardian – Wild & Mysterious
The figure beneath the Thunderbird draws on Tsonoqua the Wild Woman of the Woods from Northwest Coast stories. While Tsonoqua is traditionally depicted as female, some artistic interpretations vary in stylization and gender. In those tales she is a guardian of the wilderness, known for her deep wisdom and for watching over the forests; parents sometimes invoked her story to encourage children to stay safe and close to home. She is understood not as a villain but as a powerful protective presence.
Together with the Thunderbird, this pairing tells a story of sky and earth, of a powerful protector spirit overseeing a wild guardian of the woods. It’s a classic Northwest Coast narrative: a cosmic partnership between powerful beings, encapsulated in cedar.
This totem pole is perfect for:
__ Home Decor: Add a rustic, cultural touch to your space – mantel, bookshelf, or entryway!
__ Office Vibes: A great piece to spark conversations about history, culture, and art.
__ A Unique Gift: Perfect for art lovers, vintage collectors, or anyone who loves handmade pieces with a story!
__ Genuine vintage totem with rich symbolism inspired by Northwest Coast traditions; the carver’s specific cultural or tribal affiliation has not been independently verified.
__ Handmade, NOT mass-produced – a one-of-a-kind find!
__ Rich cultural symbolism – a mix of power, mystery, and tradition
__ Great condition for its age – beautifully aged wood with a lovely patina
🤎 Don’t miss out on this unique totem pole! Whether you’re a collector, a history lover, or just someone who appreciates cool, handcrafted pieces, this Thunderbird & Caveman totem is ready to add character to your space.
📦We ship fast—usually the same day or within 2 business days!
Questions? Ask me.
đź›’Visit my shop: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/VintageByFatima
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Last updated: July 2025
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