CHIEF'S  STAFF
Tsimsyan or Nuu-Chah-Nulth, 19th Century or earlier

Three figures representing the whale (clan figure) at top, bear figure in the middle (possibly swimming with whale indicated with hands being held up) and the anthropomorphic bear at the bottom ( teeth not showing).
This is the top-most section of the staff.
Impressed letters on the rear indicated a form of graffiti suggesting a later influence to imposed western religious indoctrination (and possible reason for reduction of staff).

Wood dark stained. Some loss to hands, stem removed. L 21 3/4"

See: Wright, R. K., “Northern Haida Master Carvers”, pl. 3.36.; MacDonald, G. F., “Haida Art”, pl. 38; Barbeau, M., “Totem Poles, Vol. 1", pg.290.

Ex: Jim Hart col.