This is an original wooden carving by Robert Shafer, who lived in Paulsbo, Washington, and died in the year 2000. His various native carvings took hundreds of hours to carve and paint. His pieces were sold for several thousand dollars each, and many were one of a kind. This piece orginally was old to a private party by the artist for well over $3,000. The previous owner was a Washington State senator, and this is part of his estate liquidation. Please note the intricacy of the carving, painting, abalone inlay and hand-made clothing. The piece is signed "R. W. Shafer, 1987" on the back.
The piece depicts a dancer of the Weasel dance or Tlasula, one of the inherited dances of Northwest coast people, indicated by the (head) frontlet, apron, ermine skins, and Chilkat blanket or Naxein.