Welcome to RamblingRussells.com! Today, we’re going to talk about our recent tour of the totem poles in the city of Ketchikan, in the state of Alaska. This was one of the most looked-forward-to-shore days of our Alaskan Cruise. By the way, Front St. has the Alaskan Trading Company, but Creek Street reflects all the colors of the past.
Ketchikan is located in southeast Alaska and is famous for its beautiful scenery and rich native culture. As people who are fascinated with Native American culture, we loved exploring the totem poles in Ketchikan! Quick fact- this small city has 20 listings on the National Register of Historic Places. Look it up.
You’ll get to see the world’s largest collection (more than 80) of totem poles in Ketchikan. This is a revered native American art form. Spanning from ancient memorial poles to present-day creations, these columns celebrate significant events in the Pacific Northwest. Make sure you stop at the Totem Heritage Center, and Potlatch Park, they’re only a short walk from the cruise ship ports.
The Tour of Totem Poles of Ketchikan
The tour started at the Ketchikan Visitor Center in Downtown Ketchikan. Our guide explained that each pole had a specific purpose, whether it was to honor a person, tell a story, or mark a special occasion. (Hint: before you leave the center, enjoy a trip to the gift shop). Our knowledgeable guide gave us an overview of the history and significance of the totem poles. We learned the poles are not just beautiful native arts, but they also tell stories and convey important messages.
As we walked through the village, we saw totem poles of all shapes and sizes. They range in size from small house posts to towering 40-foot poles. One of the large ones is a replica of an original pole, the Chief Johnson Totem, first erected in the early 1900s. (Make sure you find the image of Fog Woman.)
Some of these works of art were carved by renowned artist Nathan Jackson. Others are from the various unknown craftsmen. Still others are from the Tsimshian People a native people of the northwest coast of the United States. Our guide explained that each pole had a specific purpose, whether it was to honor a person, tell a story, or mark a special occasion. Make sure you stop at the Totem Heritage Center, it’s only a short walk from the port.
Totem Bight State Historical Park
Our first stop on the tour was Totem Bight State Historical Park, about 10 miles north of Ketchikan. This park features a collection of totem poles that were created in the 1930s as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps. It currently operates under the oversight of the U.S. Forest Service. The totem poles at Totem Bight are replicas of poles that were once used by the Tlingit and Haida tribes in the area.
As we walked through Totem Bight State Park, we focused on the intricate details and vibrant colors. Each pole has a unique design and tells a different story. Our guide pointed out the different animals and symbols on the poles, explaining their significance to native culture.
Saxman Native Village
Next, we visited Saxman Native Village, which is located just south of Ketchikan. The Saxman Totem Park is home to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, with over 30 poles on display. Local native carvers created the poles at Saxman which are still used for ceremonies and events.
Cool Experience- Touring Totem Poles of Ketchikan
One of the highlights of our totem poles in Ketchikan tour was watching skilled carvers, usually indigenous peoples, at work. We visited the carving shed at Saxman and saw a talented artist creating a totem pole with intricate carvings from a large cedar log. It was fascinating to watch the process of carving and shaping the wood and to see how the artist brought his vision to life.
Another memorable moment on the tour was visiting the Clan House at Saxman. This traditional longhouse is used for ceremonies and events, and we were lucky enough to witness a native dance performance inside. The dancers wore colorful regalia and moved gracefully to the drum beat, telling stories through their movements.
Another interesting fact- Tsimshian cultures are matrilineal, and based on a clan system, and one of the world’s two moieties. The Tsimshian people have four clans: Laxsgiik, Gispwudwada, Ganhada, and Laxgibuu. Every moiety has several matrilineal houses that subdivide into phratries.
Read more at: https://www.alaskan-natives.com/alaskan-native-cultures/tsimshian-culture/
In Conclusion
Our tours of the totem poles in the inside passage city of Ketchikan were a truly unforgettable experience. The tour guides taught us so much about native culture and history and were inspired by master carvers and their art. Book a cruise! I highly recommend taking a tour and exploring the totem poles for yourself. It’s a journey you won’t soon forget.
Thanks for Reading About Totem Poles in Ketchikan
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