Totem with Cane

William Dawson, Totem with Cane, 1978, carved and painted wood, metal, and plastic, overall: 37 3⁄4 x 10 1⁄8 x 10 5⁄8 in. (95.9 x 25.6 x 27.0 cm.) A (totem): 37 3⁄4 x 10 1⁄8 x 10 5⁄8 in. (95.9 x 25.6 x 27.0 cm.) B (umbrella): 33 x 3 1⁄8 x 1 3⁄8 in. (83.8 x 7.9 x 3.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of David L. Davies, 1992.37.9A-B

Artwork Details

Title
Totem with Cane
Artist
Date
1978
Location
Dimensions
overall: 37 3⁄4 x 10 1⁄8 x 10 5⁄8 in. (95.9 x 25.6 x 27.0 cm.) A (totem): 37 3⁄4 x 10 1⁄8 x 10 5⁄8 in. (95.9 x 25.6 x 27.0 cm.) B (umbrella): 33 x 3 1⁄8 x 1 3⁄8 in. (83.8 x 7.9 x 3.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of David L. Davies
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood, metal, and plastic
Classifications
Subjects
  • Dress — accessory — umbrella
  • Figure — head
Object Number
1992.37.9A-B
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1992.37.9A-B

Artwork Description

William Dawson carved stacks of faces from old table and chair legs before he even knew what a totem pole was. These pieces show his distinctive carved faces, with wide, staring eyes painted a stark white against different colored backgrounds. He made totems in a variety of heights depending on the piece of wood, and they can reach up to four feet.