'Stormy
Weather'
Front Page Photo by Paul Perry
 Ketchikan: Native
Carver Rediscovered By Joseph Branco - Few works of art have
the power and significance to define a culture. Totem poles have
long been the defining symbols of the North American natives.
Most across the globe attribute totem carvings to all indigenous
American tribes. However, most experts agree that totem pole
production can be attributed to only 6 tribes in British Columbia
and southeastern Alaska. The Bulla Coola, Haida, Kwakiutl, Tlingit,
Tsimshian, and West Coast tribes represent the origin of totem
carving. Though many have tried to reproduce such awe-inspiring
works of art, only a rare few individuals throughout history
have earned the title of Master Carver.
At the Southeast Alaska Discovery
Center Friday night, Native expert and author Steve Brown presented
interesting and important findings regarding totem carvings in
southeast Alaska. After more than twenty years of research, Brown
has established that some of the most significant totem poles,
house posts, and other carved artifacts from Wrangell, Taquan
(now Metlakatla), Old Kasaan, and Klukwan areas were created
by a single carver, Kadjisdu.áxch´ II, whose career
spanned the years between c.1770 and 1810. Brown introduced the
fascinating carvings of Kadjisdu.axch/ II, often referred to
as "The Greatest Carver of Wood among Natives" during
his time. - More...
Monday - January 31, 2005
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