Totem Pole after 1850

This Totem Pole was carved by a Haida artist from a single tree trunk. Look closely, and you can see the way the wood grain emphasizes the verticality of the sculpture. Consider the labor involved in felling a tree, and then using hand tools to hew away the excess wood to reveal the animal forms. The Haida people, native to the Pacific Northwest Coast, have long traditions of woodworking, with techniques passed down through generations. The imagery represents crest animals associated with lineage and status, communicating a family's history and privileges. The very act of carving embodies Haida values of respect for nature, and the careful, sustainable use of resources. Although made for a specific family and community, and not for commercial exchange, today it enriches the museum's collection, inviting us to contemplate the ingenuity and cultural richness of the Haida. The skill and intention put into its making elevates this work beyond mere craft.