Saxman Totem Park, Ketchikan, Alaska. I thought the bottom of this totem pole was pretty funny! We have more Ketchikan, Alaska photos.
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This photo blog by professional photographer Ron Niebrugge and his wife and business partner Janine will cover all type of issues, opinions and experiences related to outdoor photography. Go here to see some of Ron's Photos.
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yeah that is pretty funny. are the totem poles really old or just modern creations in a historical area?
Mostly re-creations of the original totems. I think with all the rain and moisture down there, the old ones didn’t hold up real well.
Ron
I read this somewheres-
Little known factoid about totem poles – the bottom sections of the poles were generally completed by the master carvers while the top portions were completed by his apprentices. Since the bottom of the pole will receive the most scrutiny, the master will work on that area.
personally, i think they look cool all over.
I didn’t know that Mark, but it does make sense. I would say the master caver on this totem pole had a pretty good sense of humor!
Ron
We like this pole too. It actually depicts a Tlingit legend about a boy who unwisely takes on a giant oyster- to steal it’s pearl.
Thanks for the explanation Patti.
Ron
Hey, dont know you but just thought I’d drop a note. I grew up in Ketchikan, and those totems are mostly genuine hitorical pieces, however some do have to be maintained and even parts replaced. The sense of humor thing certainly is possible, but the Alaskan Native Tribes take their legends and moral warning VERY seriously. It’s great that you appreciated the beauty of the culture. I really miss it! Southeast Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world as far as I’m concerned, you did a great job capturing that in the images.
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for the note and the explanation, I appreciate it!
Rock Oysterman Pole: This is a Memorial Pole to a young man who lost his life fishing for octopus. The figure at the top is the Eagle, the two lower figures are Beavers. The bottom figure is the rock oyster. These figures represent the clans the young man belonged to. The human figure is the victim. The man drown when the giant shell oyster closed upon his arm and he could not get away from the incoming tides. The two-toned human face represents his violent death.
Floyd S. Crocker 2009 ver.1
Thanks a lot for the detail description Renee!