Son-I-Hat Frontal Pole
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 35-TA. Archival photo processed by Brent McKee.
Description
Standing in front of the Whale House, this 50-foot pole is a reproduction of an Old Kasaan original. The pole was carved in 1939 by James Peele. Chester R. Snow, a Construction Engineer for the Civilian Conservation Corps noted that the original pole was buried 10 feet in the ground. In Tlingit and Haida societies, houses typically have a post incorporated in the façade or standing in front of it. The Son-I-Hat Frontal Pole stands on the beach, in front of the Whale House, which faces the water.
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Original caption reads: “Chief Son-I-Hat’s totem pole stands in front of the remains of the ‘Whale House’, Hydah Indian community house near Kasaan. This property has been turned over to the Federal Government for restoration. Indian CCC enrollees supervised by the best Indian builders are restoring this excellent example of Alaska Indian culture. (Photo by U.S. Forest Service)”
Son-I-Hat Frontal Pole Verso
Original caption reads: "Chief Son-I-Hat’s totem pole stands in front of the remains of the ‘Whale House’, Hydah Indian community house near Kasaan. This property has been turned over to the Federal Government for restoration. Indian CCC enrollees supervised by the best Indian builders are restoring this excellent example of Alaska Indian culture. (Photo by U.S. Forest Service)”
Source notes
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for the Chief Son-I-Hat's Whale House and Totems Historic District, accessed on August 2, 2017. NÁAY I´WAANS, A Joint Project with Kasaan Haida Heritage Foundation and the Organized Village of Kasaan, August 1, 2017.
Project originally submitted by Brent McKee on August 4, 2017.
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