Northwest Coast Totem Medicine Man Doll

Late 20th Century

9.25" H

Decorative Art Hand Carved from Cottonwood Root

Private Estate Collection

Excellent Condition

Northwest Coast Totem Medicine Man Doll is an artistic representations or collectible figurines inspired by the traditional totem poles and shamanic figures of Indigenous peoples from the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. These include nations such as the Haida, Tlingit, Kwakwaka'wakw, and Nuu-chah-nulth. Totem poles themselves are not "dolls" but monumental cedar carvings symbolizing family histories, crests, myths, and spiritual narratives. However, smaller-scale replicas, model totems, or dolls depicting medicine men (shamans, known as Skaga in Haida) are commonly crafted as cultural artifacts, museum pieces, or souvenirs. These often incorporate totem elements like animal crests (e.g., eagle, raven, bear) to honor the medicine man's role as a healer and spiritual intermediary.