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Tlingit Master Carver resurrects 74-year-old totem KETCHIKAN, Alaska–
In a small U.S. Forest Service workshop in Juneau, a skilled Alaska Native artist is meticulously bringing a traditional artifact back to life.
Tlingit Master Carver Wayne Price of Haines has begun the process of restoring the totem, which has overlooked the Auk Recreation Area near Juneau for more than 70 years. In 1941, Frank St. Clair, a Tlingit from Hoonah, and two members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), originally carved the Yax té (Big Dipper) totem, which symbolizes a “place where a strong tribe flourished.”
The Aak’w Kwáan, according to historical documents, were Tlingit people and among the first to settle in the Juneau area. “I am glad to see this pole being restored and happy to hear that it will stand again at the Auk Village site where it was originally erected,” said Myra Gilliam, Forest Service archaeologist for Admiralty National
Monument, Juneau and Yakutat Ranger Districts. Forest Service Landscape Architect Linn Forrest designed the totem in the early 1940’s and it was the initial pole of his vision for a “Totem Park” in Juneau. However, his dream for an Auk Village “Totem Park”
was never realized because the government was diverting federal dollars to the war effort and CCC funding dried up. Forrest also oversaw earlier totem pole restoration work at the Sitka National Historical Park in 1939 and helped design the Mendenhall Glacier
Visitor Center. Over the years, heavy rains and insects began affecting the structural integrity of the Yax té totem, which was originally planted directly in the soil. The totem suffered the effects of stubborn woodpeckers
and was also damaged by arsonists. A few years ago, the Forest Service took down the totem in the interest of public safety and placed it in storage.
Over the years, the agency worked with the Douglas Indian Association to find a way to refurbish and re-erect the historical totem pole. Recently, the Juneau Ranger District received the necessary funding to
make it happen. “I am grateful for the good advice of many folks who are so knowledgeable about totem pole restoration, including the master carvers who assessed the damage and are undertaking the restoration and the culturally-affiliated
folks who are passionate about this totem pole and its significance,” said Gilliam. “The curators at the Alaska State Museum and the Juneau Douglas City Museum provided helpful advice and fielded many questions as did Ron Sheetz with the National Park Service
Division of Conservation.” Price began his restoration work on the totem pole March 4. The pole features six carved bird faces and is topped by a raven and supported at the bottom by the motif of a Tlingit noble woman.
Price has been creating and restoring totems for 43 years. He’s committed to ensuring the preservation of Tlingit art, culture, and traditions.
According to his Silver Cloud Art Center website, Price has carved 27 traditional totem poles, several non-traditional poles and eight traditional dugout canoes. In 2013, he designed and carved two 10-foot house
posts for the Forest Service’s science lab center in Juneau, to tell the story of the traditional land users—the Aak’w Kwáan. He has accomplished numerous other projects for museums, art institutes, parks and schools, and often presents programs and instruction
on traditional Native art. “It is a great honor to work on this totem from the 1940’s that has stood guard for so long,” said Price. “It is a wonderful project and I look forward to see it stand up again. For more information or higher resolution photos contact Tongass National Forest Partnership & Public Affairs Staff Officer Gregory “Kent” Cummins at 907-228-6201 or
gregorykcummins@xxxxxxxxx.
Photo 1: Tlingit Master Carver Wayne Price removes the raven beak from the 74-year-old totem. (photo by Laurie Craig)
Photo2: Tlingit Master Carver Wayne Price examines the Yax té (Big Dipper) totem located in a Forest Service workshop in Juneau. He is restoring the 74-year
old totem. (photo by Laurie Craig)
Photo3: Tlingit Master Carver Wayne Price of Haines stands near the totem he is restoring. The totem has overlooked the Auk Recreation Area for more than 70
years. (photo by Laurie Craig)
Photo4: Historic photo of the Yax té (Big Dipper) totem. (USFS photo) -end- |
