Totem Poles of Southeast Alaska: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

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Totem Poles of Southeast Alaska: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

Totem poles are an iconic symbol of Southeast Alaska’s rich cultural heritage. These intricately carved wooden structures have been a part of the region’s landscape for centuries, serving as clan crests, stories, memorials, and even warnings. But what do these towering poles really represent? And how can you appreciate their significance when visiting Southeast Alaska?

What are Totem Poles?

Totem poles are not idols for worship, but rather a visual representation of a clan’s history, culture, and identity. They are often carved with figures from Southeast Alaska’s rich mythology, such as the Raven, Eagle, and Bear. These figures are not simply decorative; they convey important stories and messages that have been passed down through generations.

According to the Sealaska Heritage Institute, totem poles are “a way of communicating stories and history through art.” They are often used to tell the story of a clan’s ancestors, their achievements, and their struggles. In this sense, totem poles are a form of oral history, allowing communities to share their stories and values with future generations.

Types of Totem Poles

There are several types of totem poles, each with its own unique purpose and significance. Some of the most common types include:

  • Welcome Poles: These poles are used to welcome visitors to a village or community. They often feature a mix of figures and patterns, serving as a symbol of hospitality and respect.
  • Memorial Poles: These poles are erected in memory of a deceased community member or to honor a significant event. They often feature a single figure or a series of figures that tell the story of the deceased person’s life and achievements.
  • Mortuary Poles: These poles are used to honor the deceased in a more elaborate way. They often feature a mix of figures and patterns, serving as a symbol of respect and mourning.
  • Shame/Ridicule Poles: These poles are used to shame or ridicule someone who has broken a community rule or tradition. They often feature a figure or pattern that is considered embarrassing or humiliating.
  • House Posts: These poles are used to support the roof of a house or other structure. They often feature a mix of figures and patterns, serving as a symbol of the owner’s status and wealth.

How to ‘Read’ a Totem Pole

When looking at a totem pole, it’s essential to understand how to ‘read’ it. The figures on a totem pole are typically arranged from bottom to top, with the most important figures at the bottom. This is because the bottom figures are often the most significant and represent the main story or message being told.

For example, a totem pole may feature a Raven figure at the bottom, followed by an Eagle figure, and then a Bear figure at the top. In this case, the Raven figure is the most important and represents the main story or message being told.

Common Figures on Totem Poles

Some of the most common figures found on totem poles include:

  • Ḵuuyi (Raven): The Raven is a trickster figure in Southeast Alaska mythology, known for his intelligence and cunning. He is often depicted as a central figure on totem poles, representing creativity, wisdom, and transformation.
  • Ḵaay (Eagle): The Eagle is a symbol of strength, courage, and wisdom. He is often depicted soaring through the skies, representing the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth.
  • Ḵaḵ (Bear): The Bear is a symbol of power, strength, and fertility. He is often depicted as a dominant figure on totem poles, representing the cycles of life and death.
  • Wolf: The Wolf is a symbol of loyalty, perseverance, and cunning. He is often depicted as a secondary figure on totem poles, representing the importance of community and cooperation.
  • Ḵuuyiḵ (Killer Whale): The Killer Whale is a symbol of power, strength, and resilience. He is often depicted as a central figure on totem poles, representing the importance of adaptation and survival.
  • Ḵuuyiḵḵ (Frog): The Frog is a symbol of transformation, renewal, and spiritual growth. He is often depicted as a secondary figure on totem poles, representing the importance of change and evolution.
  • Ḵaḵḵ (Beaver): The Beaver is a symbol of industry, ingenuity, and community. He is often depicted as a central figure on totem poles, representing the importance of hard work and cooperation.
  • Thunderbird: The Thunderbird is a symbol of power, strength, and spiritual growth. He is often depicted as a dominant figure on totem poles, representing the importance of balance and harmony in the natural world.

Where to See Totem Poles

Southeast Alaska is home to many incredible totem pole parks and museums, each featuring a unique collection of poles and carvings. Some of the most popular destinations include:

Master Carvers Past and Present

Southeast Alaska has a long history of masterful totem pole carvers, each with their own unique style and technique. Some of the most notable carvers include:

  • Anthony Anton: A renowned Tlingit carver from the 19th century, known for his intricate and detailed carvings.
  • Charles Edenshaw: A Haida carver from the 19th century, known for his innovative and expressive style.
  • Robert Holm: A Tlingit carver from the 20th century, known for his traditional and detailed carvings.
  • David R. Sonneborn: A contemporary Tlingit carver, known for his innovative and expressive style.

The CCC Totem Restoration Program

During the 1930s and 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) launched a totem restoration program aimed at preserving and restoring Southeast Alaska’s totem pole heritage. This program was a significant step in recognizing the cultural significance of totem poles and preserving them for future generations.

Etiquette and Respect

When visiting totem pole parks and museums, it’s essential to show respect and reverence for these cultural treasures. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Respect the cultural significance of totem poles and do not touch or handle them.
  • Take photos, but be mindful of the carvings and avoid obstructing the view for other visitors.
  • Support local artists and carvers by purchasing authentic carvings, rather than replicas or mass-produced items.
  • Be respectful of the land and the communities that created these totem poles, and avoid taking anything from the parks or museums.

Learn More

To learn more about Southeast Alaska’s totem pole heritage, we recommend checking out the following resources:

Sources

The following sources were used in the research and writing of this article:

  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • Sealaska Heritage Institute
  • Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)
  • Alaska State Museums
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)

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