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Seward Pole
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Seward Pole

This pole was carved to commemorate a visit by William H. Seward to Fort Tongass in 1869. Seward was then US Secretary of State, and later was influential in the purchase of Alaska from Russia --- a deal critics referred to as “Seward’s folly.” During his visit, Seward sat on an elaborately carved and painted box while he was presented with gifts. The multi ringed spruce root hat he is wearing is the mark of an influential and wealthy person.

This pole may also be considered a ridicule pole because according to legend, Seward was an ungracious guest who did not return either the courtesty or generosity of his hosts. The original of the pole was carved in 1885 to remind the Tongass people of Seward’s ungracious visit. The pole pictured here is a replica.

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  • This pole serves two purposes.  First, it is a genealogical record of four house groups and serves as a memorial to them.  Although not visible in this photo, an eagle at the top of the pole symbolizes the Eagle Claw House.  This is followed by two beavers representing the Beaver Dam House and the Beaver Tail House.  The bottom beaver seen here can be identified by the cross hatched black tail. The face at the bottom of the pole symbolizes the fourth group, the Giant Rock Oyster House.<br />
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The second purpose of this pole is to tell a story - a sad story.  Tricia Brown, in her guidebook of Totem Bight, refers to totem poles as "Silent Storytellers."                                                The story behind this pole is how the Giant Rock Oyster house got its name.  While searching for devilfish, the figure crouching beside the pole put his hand in a crevice and  a giant devilfish grabbed it    When his companions were unable to extricate him they went for help, but when they returned the tide had come in and drowned him.
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  • Interior wall carving in Potlach Park near Ketchikan.  This magnificent carving is about 10 feet tall, is located in a longhouse and was carved by Brita Alander, a female Haida Native American of the Eagle Clan.  Potlach Park is a relatively new totem park.  Brita carved many (most?) of the totems and other artwork at Potlach Park.
  • Carving by Brita Alander of a woman crouched next to a bentwood box.  Located  on the exterior of a longhouse at  Potlach Park near Ketchikan.
  • Totem figure at Potlach Park near Ketchikan.
  • This ancient totem pole is on display near the entrance to the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan.  The Totem Heritage Center is a museum operated by the City of Ketchikan.  In addition to displaying ancient totems, it also offers classes in the arts and crafts of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.
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