Totem Bight State Historical Park, Sea Monster Pole - Ketchikan AK

City:: Ketchikan, AK
Site Type:: Archaeology and History, Art Works, Sculptures, Historical Restoration
New Deal Agencies:: Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Work Relief Programs
Started:: 1939
Completed:: 1941
Artist:: Haida craftsmen
Designer:: Architect Linn A. Forrest (restoration)
Quality of Information:: Very Good
Site Survival:: Extant

Description

This Sea Monster Pole was carved by John Wallace circa 1939-1939. It is the reproduction of a totem from the now-uninhabited Haida village of Klinkwan on Prince of Wales Island. A 2013 Department of Natural Resources, Master Development Plan for Totem Bight describes the characteristics and history of the totem: “A village watchman stands guard at the top of the pole, just above two eagle crests and symbols representing clouds and mountains, the place of eagles. Below these are figures representing the world under the sea—blackfish holding a seal, a sea monster, and a devilfish (octopus) in the act of devouring a man. The mythical sea monster, that appears on a number of Haida poles, is carved near the center of the pole. The small face under the beak is the monster’s spirit power.”