t̕amḵa'yi (Brooch)

Brooch was pinned to a rectangular piece of card that reads "totem pin, handmade by Ellen Neel. Vancouver, BC. 1958.

Made for sale in the tourist market.

Miniature totem pole brooch. A bear sits at bottom in an upright pose with knees bent, front legs raised so paws come together in front of chin. Body is red-brown. Face shows large green and black eyes, and a heavy brow, with an open mouth in red. On the bear’s head perches a large bird with wings fully spread, feathers painted in formline style on the front. Wedge shaped head has a large curved beak, and a ridge sits on top of head. Eyes are also green and black. Back of pole is undecorated but for a black line along top of wings. A metal stick pin is glued to back.