#10 • Hand-Carved Wooden Totem Style Sculpture with Owl

Part of 03/22/26 Antique Treasures & Vintage Collectibles Kalaheo (Kauai) Part 1 Auction (timed auction by Malama Auctions & Realty)

High bid $22.00

Status: Sold

A striking hand-carved wooden sculpture featuring a stylized human face surmounted by an owl, carved from a single piece of wood. The composition rises vertically in a totemic form, with the owl perched prominently above the figure’s head. The owl’s large, rounded eyes and feather detailing are carved with strong geometric lines, while the human figure below displays expressive facial features framed by flowing carved hair. The sculpture exhibits detailed craftsmanship with layered carving techniques that create texture in the feathers, hair, and facial elements. The natural wood grain and warm finish enhance the dimensional quality of the carving, giving the piece a bold sculptural presence. Totem-style carvings such as this often draw inspiration from Indigenous Northwest Coast artistic traditions where animals—particularly the owl—symbolize wisdom, protection, and spiritual connection. Decorative carvings inspired by these forms became widely produced during the mid-20th century as folk art and souvenir pieces from the Pacific Northwest and Canada.