Auctioneer Malcolm Dowson, from Sherburn-in-Elmet, is selling off a finely carved seven-foot wooden totem pole to the highest bidder.
The item was brought in by a couple from near Tadcaster who had discovered it when clearing out the home of an "eccentric" relative who had died.
Malcolm, who recently auctioned off a rare Steiff stuffed leopard, said: "The totem is perfect for a garden conservatory - it could turn into the yuppiest item of the patio season and become a real talking point." The pole brought back memories for Malcolm, who visited an Indian reservation while travelling through Canada with his wife, who was born there.
He said: "I remember seeing a totem and thinking it might look great perched outside my house!
The auction will take place at Malcolm's Number One Auction in the trustees hall at Boston Spa, on Monday at 6.30pm.
Updated: 11:05 Friday, April 27, 2001
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