There are three totem poles in the Marine Park in the Port of Kalama, Washington which were carved by wood sculptor Don Lelooska (born Cherokee, adopted Kwakwaka’wakw; 1933-1996).
An Introduction to Totem Poles
The totem pole has become the symbol of the Northwest Coast tribes. Museum curator Audrey Hawthorn, in her book Kwakiutl Art, writes:
“It is an art form unique to the region, characterized by its tall, columnar form bearing images of humans, birds, and other animals of the sea and forest.”
She also says:
“The totem pole is a precise art form embodying a statement of beliefs about important social realities—descent, inheritance, power, privilege, and social worth—of the people who inhabited the Northwest Coast before the advent of European explorers and settlers.”
The figures on a totem pole are arranged from top to bottom, but the sequence of the figures is not an indication of their importance. The concept of “low man on the totem pole” is not an expression of Northwest Coast culture as position on the pole is not an indication of rank.
Totem poles are not worshipped nor are they a part of religious ceremonies.
The Totem Poles
The Kalama totem poles were commissioned in 1974 as a tourist attraction.
Totem Pole Repair
The tallest totem pole—140 feet in length—was carved from a 700-year-old Western Red Cedar. It rotted away from the inside and is now on the ground. It was carved by Native American craftsman Don Lelooska.
More about the Northwest Coast First Nations
Indians 101: The Northwest Coast plank longhouse (museum diary)
Indians 101: Kwakwaka'wakw Dancers (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: The Tulalip Longhouse (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Northwest Coast Carvings (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Northwest Coast Textiles (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Haida Argillite Carvings (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Northwest Coast Masks (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Northwest Coast Hats in the Portland Art Museum (Photo Diary)
