Totem c. 1920s

Editor: This is "Totem" by R.K. Cook, a wooden sculpture. It has a really striking presence, even though it's quite small. What can you tell me about the piece? Curator: The material itself speaks volumes. Wood, readily available, connects this object to its environment. Consider the labor involved, the process of carving, the tools used. Editor: So, you're focusing on the act of creation? Curator: Precisely! How does the choice of wood impact its meaning? Is it a common wood? Was it chosen for its availability or symbolic value? These are material questions that lead us to broader socio-economic interpretations. Editor: Interesting! I hadn't thought about it that way. Thanks for expanding my understanding of art.