Historic Hood River
Chief Johnson Totem Pole, Ketchikan Alaska, 1917
10-5-2012
Notes
Here we see a beautifully carved totem pole in Ketchikan, Alaska, though knowing Alva Day’s interests it’s possible he was taking a picture of the power lines above.
This is actually the well known Chief Johnson totem pole, which stood in this location from 1901 until 1982. It depicts the legend of the Fog Woman and the creation of salmon. This reference tells the story and explains the iconography.
The Chief Johnson totem pole has since been moved into Ketchikan’s Totem Heritage Center, though a replica stands in almost the same spot.
charlott
so much old "rustic" details in the entire photo of what a harsh land that must have been in that era.
One thing I noticed is the structure in the upper right hand corner. Very unique type building. Wonder if it was a home or something else. Looks like the building behind the totem might be abandoned, or at least it give the appearance as so.
Glad they saved this particular totem for others to enjoy. I imagine over a period of time a lot of them in that part of the world were lost to "modernization."
l.e.
I once took a foreign exchange student from New Zealand, on a trip to Vancouver Island. One of the items I wanted her to see was the totem pole exhibit in Victoria. I thought I would be showing her the "native art".
Her final comment was,…"we have beautiful totem poles created by our natives, the Maoris."
Ever since then, I have wondered if there is a connection between the two people.
charlott
You know you see totem type things all over the world. Those stone statues on Easter Island have a strong resemblance to some of the others throughout the world.
db
Beautiful orca painted on the building behind the totem pole.
nels
I read the reference supplied by Arthur and it is fascinating. Canada outlawed the Potlatch. The NezPerce saved the starving Lewis and Clark expedition after debating whether to kill them or not; an old lady saved them. They found the Nez Perce kind and gentle, and if you check out the photo they appear quite healthy and rather good looking by white man’s standards, and obviously proud people. And the Wishram and Wasco were the tribes in charge of setting up the trading. Must have been like a state fair!