The most striking of objects: The totem poles of Sitka National Historical Park
Patrick A. 2002. The most striking of objects: The totem poles of Sitka National Historical Park. National Park Service, Alaska Support Office
The reader will gain a historical perspective of National Park Service management including preservation efforts and issues associated with the totem pole collection of Sitka National Historical Park. Totem poles are recognized as part of the dynamic Northwest Coast Native tradition. The Park collection began with the generous donation by Chief Saanheit, one of Kasaan's leaders in the early 1900s. Saanheit's donation of several large carved items including a totem pole, came with the condition "that these are to be transported to the government park at Sitka and to be erected and remain there as memorials to my people." The original memorials and the subsequent recarved poles have been well incorporated into the forested park setting. Despite the years and cultural changes, the poles continue to be vibrant and solid reminders of the enduring Southeast Alaska Native peoples. This book pulls together written sources and interviews with present day carvers. The reader will gain a historical perspective of National Park Service management including preservation efforts and issues associated with the collection.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Patrick, Andrew
- Date of Issue
- 2002
- Publisher
- National Park Service, Alaska Support Office
- Units
- HIST , SITK
- Keywords
- Cultural Resources, ehistory, Sitka, totem poles