Totems in Haines, AK

Excerpted from the 2014 Haines Visitor's Guide.

Totem poles around Haines signify the area's Alaska Native legacy. Nearly all the poles were carved in Haines by Alaska Indian Arts (AIA), a non-profit educational group based in Fort Seward that was launched in the late 1950's to perpetuate Tlinget cultural practices.

The largest, a 40-foot "Friendship Pole," stands near the Haines School and went up in 1976. It's patterned after a 27 inch pole in the Sheldon Museum that was carved in 1927 to thank town residents for helping smooth relationship among Native clans. Atypical of traditional poles this one combines figures representing both Eagle and Raven clans, and portrays white men. It was dedicated to the children of Chilkat Valley, who have helped paint it over the years. "Raven: Guardian of the Clans" is the 38 foot pole at the Chilkat Center. It commemorates renovation of the town's arts center in 1979. Crowned by a spread-winged raven, it includes frog and beaver designs traditionally owned by clans of the Raven clan. A seven-foot pole, the figure of a single raven, stands nearby.

Two free-standing poles and four, 14 - foot, corner-post poles surround the replica tribal house in the Fort Seward parade grounds. A 35-foot version of the "Friendship Pole" stands behind the building; in front is a 30-foot raven topped pole that includes bear and wolf figures. One of the AIA's earliest large poles, this one is more rudimentary in craftsmanship.

A carving near the town's fire-hall uses totemic techniques to depict an orca, the official seal of the Haines Borough. Totem poles also can be seen at privately-owned properties around town and in the village of Klukwan. A pole along the Chilkoot River honors a family there. Most poles are made of red cedar. A few made of yellow cedar are lighter in color and more durable. At the one-mile Welcome sign is a display of a 12 foot Raven Pole and a 12 foot Eagle Pole each adding the representation of the other clans.

At the Haines Library, (for a small library it has won several awards) on display is a 20-foot totem pole. The pole tells the story of the library, beginning with a crouching female figure holding the box of knowledge to represent the Women's Club, which started a lending library in 1928. This box is a time capsule which is due to be opened in 2034. Between the Raven and Eagle, which represents the people of the Chilkat Valley, sits a human figure, representing the partons of the library. The 3 tinahs represent the cultural wealth the library protects. The Chilikat blanket represents the Chilat Valley and the wealth donated by the donors to the Friends of the library. The dragonfly symbolizes seekers of knowledge. At the top, the Bear, Raven, Frog, Woodworm, Wolf, Salmon, Whales Tail and Eagle represent the clans of the carvers involved in carving of this pole.