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Mosquito Legend Pole
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Mosquito Legend Pole

This village watchman sits atop the Mosquito Legend pole in Sitka National Historical Park. The mosquito-like figure is immediatley below the watchman. The pole is a replica of one carved in the 1938-41 CCC restoration project. The following synopsis of the Tlingit mosquito legend appears in the guidebook to the Sitka National Historical Park (Carved History): "An unusual child was born to a chief's daughter, not exactly in human form, for he had sharp arrow points in his head. One day the mother angered him, and he killed her by driving the arrow points into her breast. Afterward he fled into the woods, where he continued to kill other villagers out hunting or collecting wood. "One of the village men, the boy's uncle, set a trap for the boy and succeeded in wounding him with a poison arrow. His uncle trapped him by following his blood stains and eventually found him. The boy protested and pleaded for his life, but his uncle killed him for having destroyed so many villagers. The boy's body was burned, leaving only ashes. These ashes were driven about by the wind and became the mosquitos that still torment people today."

Imported 120415Sitka Totems

  • Three poles located outside the Ketchikan Indian Community Center Building.
  • These 6 totem figures are known as the "Council of Clans." They are located near the main entrance to the Cape Fox Lodge in Kethchikan. The figure wearing a red button blanket is holding a staff known as the Naa Kaani pole (not visible in this photo). Speaking staffs were used at potlaches where the person holding it had the authority to mediate and bring order to the festivities. <br /> <br /> Lee Wallace, the carver of these poles added a personal touch to the bear pole (the one in the center of the 5 facing the authority figure in the red button blanket). According to him, the small bear cub on the top of the pole was for his daughter who loved "Care Bears" when she was little. Although not visible in the photo, there is a small carved heart on the bear cub's behind!
  • This is one of the totems in the "Council of Clans," a circle of 6 totem figures located near the main entrance to the Cape Fox Lodge in Kethchikan. The Council of Clans was created and carved by Lee Wallace. This figure is known as the Naa Kaani pole. He is wearing a traditional button blanket and holds a speaking staff. Speaking staffs were used at potlaches where the person holding the staff had the authority to mediate and bring order to the festivities.
  • Sitka National Historical Park
  • Yaadaas Crest Corner Pole
  • Trader Legend Pole
  • Wolf Pole - Sitka National
  • This pole is located in Sitka National Historical Park but I don't know its name or background.
  • Wolf Pole
  • Mosquito Legend Pole
  • Healing Heart Pole
  • Healing Heart Pole
  • Overview of totem park located at the public school in Klawock, AK. Klawock is a small village located 56 air miles west of Ketchikan on Prince of Wales Island. It is a major center of Tlingit culture and boasts the largest collection of authentic totem poles in Alaska. Carving is a required part of the curriculum in the Klawock public school system. Many of the poles in Klawock are currently being replicated because of their deterioration over the years.
  • Two Murry Ducks on a pole with clams. Klawock (Prince of Wales Island), AK
  • Two Murry Ducks on a pole with clams. Klawock (Prince of Wales Island), AK
  • A fallen totem on the Klawock, AK schoolgrounds looks skyward.
  • Klawock Totem Park
  • Mink Totem Figure in Klawock, AK on Prince of Wales Island.
  • Jonathan O. Rowan, Jr. and his young apprentice in the carving shed in Klawock, AK. They are rolling over a carved whale that will be mounted atop a pole to be erected at the Klawock schoolyard. This pole is to be a replica of one that has deteriorated. Carving is a required part of the Klawock school curriculum where Jonathan teaches carving. This photo was taken by Albino Amador,
  • Loyd looking over the totem graveyard outside the carving shed in Klawock, AK. When a totem has reached the end of its useful life it is placed in a totem graveyard to deteriorate further and return to earth. They are not cut up and recycled by using them as firewood or for other purpses.
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