Clockwise, from
far left: A totem
pole at Ketchikan
includes a range
of different
symbols and
markings; the
totem pole at
Kake is thought
to be the tallest in
the world; eagles
are symbolic and
often portrayed
on totem poles
rests on the viewer's level of
understanding of the particular
symbols and local traditions.
One of the most recognisable
cultural objects of the region,
the vast array of different designs
and styles reflects the rich cultural
and ecological diversity within
the Pacific Northwest.
Historians and anthropologists
estimate that totem pole carving, as
we know it, developed over the last
200 years, reaching its peak in the
19th century. During this period
in history, many First Nations
communities had gained access
to superior tools and techniques
through trading fish and fur
with Europeans. Despite using
rot-resistant cedar, most large
totem poles only survive outside
for approximately 100 years before
they start to deteriorate.
Many trees are viewed and
closely inspected before the
optimum tree is chosen and then
harvested. A ceremony is often
performed to honour the tree
before it is felled, as a mark of
respect and gratitude. e artists
responsible for carving the tree
use both traditional and modern
tools to create the distinctive curves
and markings, paying particular
attention to the grain of the wood
and any special features of the tree.
Today, many totem poles which
were sold or taken from First
Nations communities have been
repatriated as part of an ongoing
effort to maintain and promote
indigenous culture. As new
generations of carvers hone their
remarkable skills, the tradition of
carving and erecting totem poles
continues, and there is no better
place to go to appreciate these
wonderful works of art.
FACTS AND FIGURES
• Alaskan totem poles are carved
from cedar trees, which are
resistant to rot and grow in the
rainforests of Southeast Alaska.
• Standing at 132 feet tall, one
of the tallest totem poles in the
world is in Kake, Alaska.
• Paint was traditionally made
from a mix of chewed cedar
bark and salmon eggs, along
with powdered pigments, in
order to create an oil-based
paint. Today, synthetic paints are
often used, but some carvers
still use natural pigments derived
from charcoal and ochre.
• Early European explorers
mistakenly believed totem poles
to be objects of worship.
• The Tlingit totem pole artist,
Nathan Jackson, has carved
nearly 50 totem poles over
the last 45 years.
GETTING THERE: The
11-day Alaska & the Inside
Passage voyage starts
from $6,995pp in a
Veranda stateroom.
VIEW ALASKA VOYAGES
42
VIKING
