100? Year Old Tlingit Tribe 42 foot Totem Pole

[fancypants]

Well , sometimes the value is in the beholders' eyes ....

I do know a couple of N.W. 'first nations' totem carvers & they can get up to $500 per foot for a newly carved totem pole , and this is usually commissioned work for them , considering the cost , time & effort of producing one .

Not too much of a clue with non-antique prices though , sadly , agreeneyes .

Sure is a biggun !

[agreeneyes]

I do appreciate all of your information, thank you

[mart]

I have not found anything to give a possible value for one of this size !!  The 10 ft. mew ones can run around $900. to $1500. !!

[agreeneyes]

The one thing I do know is this was personally commissioned and made for a member of the Tlingit tribe to display in front of his home.  The figures represent the stories passed down from his  elders and many generations.  This wasn't made for tourist so there is a lot of history in this one.  The only ones I know of this size still standing and displayed are in Alaska most are in national parks or museums.

[ghopper1924]

Sounds like this could be valued into the many thousands of $, even with the base broken off.

I would think the best thing to do would be to get a professional appraizer who specializes in Native American art to give you a value on this. In the long run, the best route might be to donate it to a facility where it could be displayed for everyone. I would investigate the tax implications of a gift like that....it MIGHT be the best way to go.

[agreeneyes]

I think I'm going to have to find a professional appraiser as I've been unable to locate anything online this size for sale  for comparison.  I do appreciate all of your help and information, thank you

[mart]

Let us know what they say !!

[agreeneyes]

I will, thank you

[Chrislondo-London]

If you bought it for a bargain and you are open to spend some $ to get it dated than I have a few tips for you.
The native Indians made their paint from flowers and other elements which they collected in nature.
You can send a few samples to a institute which also research antique paintings.
They will examine a few sample of different colors on what mixture ingredients the paint are based and will give you a date with a gap of circa 10± years.
If your lucky than it could be much older than 100 years.
 
good luck

[agreeneyes]

I appreciate the information, thank you

[greenacres]

http://www.alaskanativeartists.com/totem_poles.htm

Here are some Alaskan poles for sale and some info on artist.

[agreeneyes]

I contacted an online appraisal site and it was appraised for $40,000.00-$60,000.00 because of the some of the condition issues.  They did tell me that right now there is quite an interest in Tlingit totem poles for collectors so we'll see what happens.  Thank you for all of your help and information.

[ghopper1924]

Thanks for following up, and congratulations!

[mart]

Excellent !!  Keep us updated !!

[agreeneyes]

I will, thank you