1975 Thunderbird & Caveman Totem Pole | Hand-Carved Wood First Nations Inspired Totem Sculpture | Vintage Canadian Totem Wings and Ears 14"
$151.61 $212.25
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
Follow me on Instagram @vintagebyfatima
Shipping from Canada
Processing time
1-2 business days
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept cancellations
Privacy policy
Last updated: July 2025
Welcome to Vintage by Fatima! Your privacy matters to me. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you visit my Etsy shop (Vintage by Fatima) or make a purchase. By browsing or purchasing, you agree to this policy.
1. Information I Collect
a. Information You Provide Directly
Contact details: name, billing/shipping address, email, phone number.
Payment details: processed securely by Etsy Payments—Vintage by Fatima does not store your full credit card number.
Messages & feedback: any messages you send via Etsy Conversations.
b. Information Collected Automatically
Device & usage data: browser type, IP address, device identifiers, pages viewed, referral URLs, search terms.
Cookies & similar technologies: to remember you, keep you logged in, analyze traffic, and personalize your experience.
2. How I Use Your Information
I use your information to:
Process orders & provide customer service: fulfill, ship, and track your purchases; respond to your questions.
Communicate with you: send order confirmations, shipping updates, and occasional shop announcements.
Improve and personalize: understand shop performance, personalize listings, and enhance your shopping experience.
Marketing (optional): with your consent, send you newsletters, promotions, or discount codes. You can unsubscribe at any time.
3. How I Share Your Information
I only share your information when necessary to:
Etsy and service providers: for payment processing, shipping, fraud prevention, and hosting.
Legal obligations: comply with laws, protect rights, or respond to legal requests.
I will never sell your personal data to third-party advertisers.
4. Data Retention
Order & transaction records: kept for at least 4 years to comply with tax and accounting requirements.
Marketing lists: kept until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
5. Cookies & Tracking
Etsy and I use cookies and similar technologies to:
Authenticate you when you log in.
Remember your preferences and cart between visits.
Analyze traffic with Etsy’s analytics and third-party services (e.g. Google Analytics).
You can control cookies in your browser settings, but disabling them may limit shop functionality.
6. Your Rights & Choices
Access & correction: you can review and update most of your personal data through your Etsy account.
Unsubscribe from marketing: click “unsubscribe” in any newsletter or email.
Delete your data: contact me (see below) to request deletion of your personal information; note that I may keep minimal records to comply with legal obligations.
Privacy settings on Etsy: you can adjust your account settings to limit data collection.
7. Security
I take reasonable steps to protect your information. All payments go through Etsy’s secure platform. However, no system is 100% secure—please use unique passwords and keep your login credentials confidential.
8. Children
My shop is intended for adults. I do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years old. If you believe I have inadvertently done so, please contact me to request deletion.
9. Changes to This Policy
I may update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in law or Etsy requirements. The “Last updated” date at the top will indicate when it was revised. Continued use of the shop after updates constitutes acceptance of the new policy.
10. Contact Me
If you have questions or concerns about your privacy, please reach out via Etsy Conversations or email me at fatima@vintagebyfatima.com I’m here to help!
Thank you for supporting Vintage by Fatima and trusting me with your information. I’m committed to keeping your data safe and your shopping experience delightful.