Barela’s concepts and ideas about our relationship to nature parallels primitive society beliefs. In this carving a man's animal instincts are startlingly visible. The figure lies prone, one hand up as if recognizing that a transformation from man to animal is occurring. The other side of the carving presents the figure in a calm position with the hand at its side. The transformation is complete—the figure's animal totem has taken over. This sculpture is in “Spirit Ascendant.”