Important Northwest Coast Carved and Painted Kwakiutl Shaman's Staff, The top section has a carving depicting a spread wing raven at the top standing on the nose of a whale, each with original painted decoration and in very good condition, the shaft of the staff protrudes from the tail end of the whale to a wrapped twine handle and then continues down to the tapered tip, 76 1/2" tall x 14 1/2" wide at the wings, some use wear overall, small losses where the wings meet body on the back side, extra nails added to the backside of the birds tall going into the whale's jaw and holding the talons to the other side the jaw, L19thC. Small tag attached with hand written note denoting maker, unclear spelling, see additional photos. Provenance: Private collection, Seattle Washington.