Collection:
Juneau—Douglas City Museum
Object ID:
84.18.001
Accession#:
84.18
Credit Line:
Transferred from the Alaska State Museum.
Object Name:
Totem Pole, cedar
Title:
Harnessing Of The Atom Totem Pole by Wallace
Artist — Creator:
Wallace, Amos
Date:
1967
Description:
Unpainted totem pole with five figures, including, top to bottom: eagle, bearded person with crossed arms, person holding moon face and raven.
This totem pole tells the story of the harnessing of the atom. The pole was carved in 1967 by Tlingit carver Amos Wallace of Juneau. His Tlingit name was Jeet Yaaw Dustaa of the T'akdeintaan Clan of the X'aakw Hit Tlingit (Freshwater marked Coho House). Wallace, an artist who worked in many different media, was renown for his carving and engraving. He died in 2004.
In 1976 the pole was installed at the City Museum. The traditional method of mounting a totem involves digging a hole for the lower end of the post to rest in. Rocks line the hole to provide drainage and stability. By 2003 the totem had developed a distinct lean and was in danger of severe damage. It was removed from its original, traditional mount. A new aluminum support post was mounted in a concrete base to provide better stability and prevent further damage. Traditionally, a leaning pole might sometimes be propped up but once fallen it is generally left to return to the earth.
Harnessing of the Atom is 15 feet tall and carved of wester red cedar. Cedar is the most commonly used tree for carving totem poles because it withstands the elements so well. Decay is natural in totems exposed to the effects of wind, weather, insects and a hard life outside in the Southeast Alaska weather. Due to the organic material, cracks are natural and should not be seen as a flaw in the carving.
Totem Figures:
Top: Bald Eagle: The eagle represents the United States and the purchase of Alaska from Russia. It also compliments Raven at the bottom.
Second from top: Russian Priest: The priest represents Christianity and Russian influence in Alaska.
Second from bottom: Man and Sun: Man is shown harnessing the power of the universe, which is represented by the figure of the sun.
Bottom: Rave: Long ago Raven released the power of the sun, moon and stars for man.
This totem pole tells the story of the harnessing of the atom. The pole was carved in 1967 by Tlingit carver Amos Wallace of Juneau. His Tlingit name was Jeet Yaaw Dustaa of the T'akdeintaan Clan of the X'aakw Hit Tlingit (Freshwater marked Coho House). Wallace, an artist who worked in many different media, was renown for his carving and engraving. He died in 2004.
In 1976 the pole was installed at the City Museum. The traditional method of mounting a totem involves digging a hole for the lower end of the post to rest in. Rocks line the hole to provide drainage and stability. By 2003 the totem had developed a distinct lean and was in danger of severe damage. It was removed from its original, traditional mount. A new aluminum support post was mounted in a concrete base to provide better stability and prevent further damage. Traditionally, a leaning pole might sometimes be propped up but once fallen it is generally left to return to the earth.
Harnessing of the Atom is 15 feet tall and carved of wester red cedar. Cedar is the most commonly used tree for carving totem poles because it withstands the elements so well. Decay is natural in totems exposed to the effects of wind, weather, insects and a hard life outside in the Southeast Alaska weather. Due to the organic material, cracks are natural and should not be seen as a flaw in the carving.
Totem Figures:
Top: Bald Eagle: The eagle represents the United States and the purchase of Alaska from Russia. It also compliments Raven at the bottom.
Second from top: Russian Priest: The priest represents Christianity and Russian influence in Alaska.
Second from bottom: Man and Sun: Man is shown harnessing the power of the universe, which is represented by the figure of the sun.
Bottom: Rave: Long ago Raven released the power of the sun, moon and stars for man.
Notes:
Carved in 1967. See documentation file. See "Totem Talk" by Scott Foster.
Erected outside Museum building. when City gave Old Witch Totem pole to State in 1967.
Photos of the installation of the pole are in the Bob DeArmond Collection Box 2, at the Alaska State Historical Library.
Erected outside Museum building. when City gave Old Witch Totem pole to State in 1967.
Photos of the installation of the pole are in the Bob DeArmond Collection Box 2, at the Alaska State Historical Library.
Search Terms:
Tlingit
Sculpture
Mythology
Wood
Sculpture
Mythology
Wood
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Harnessing Of The Atom Totem P
Harnessing Of The Atom Totem P
Harnessing Of The Atom Totem P
Harnessing Of The Atom Totem P
Harnessing Of The Atom Totem P
Harnessing Of The Atom Totem P