Caption
Indian artists had an almost limitless choice of characters to choose from and few clear-cut rules governed the choice or order of the figures on the pole. Thus the only persons who fully understood the carvings were the owner and those to whom he recited the legends, as was invariably done at a tribal dance when the pole was raised. However some knowledge of Indian art and mythology will take the outsider a good part of the way in unlocking the secrets of B.C.'s picturesque totem-poles.
Release Date
July 9, 1957
Materials
Typescript with illustrations
Collection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Caption
In an old Indian burial ground, on bird-shaped Cormorant Island, at Alert Bay, B.C., Indian craftsmen carved this imposing totem-pole, one of the few to depict the female figure. Today the craft, more than 2 centuries old, is in danger of disappearing; government sponsored projects in B.C. are attempting to keep the art alive and preserve specimens of the grotesquely fascinating art for posterity.
Date
August 1, 1945
Accession Number
LAC-NFB16921
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011175716
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Mr. Mungo Martin, left, one of the few remaining experts in the art of totem carving, is in charge of the restoration of this colourful Indian art form at Thunderbird Park, B.C.
Date
January 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB80666
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176581
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
The soft, straight-grained wood of the red cedar lends itself readily to the artistic skill of the totem carver. Original poles were susceptible to rapid decay but modern preservatives may preserve the wood indefinitely.
Date
January 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB80667
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176582
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Early Indian artists had only crude paints -- burnt clam shells for white, iron-ores for rusty reds -- which they mixed with salmon-roe, applied with porcupine hair brushes. Today only the finest pigments are used.
Date
January 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB80668
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176583
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Most totem poles are heraldic emblems, much like a family crest, depicting the history, often legendary, of its owner. Mythical figures supplied the subject-matter, desire for social prestige, the incentive.
Date
January 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB80669
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176584
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Photostory #113: Thunderbird Park, B. C.: Totem Poles Preserved for Posterity
Photographers
,
Maker
National Film Board of Canada
Release Date
July 9, 1957
Collection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Main Text
Indian artists had an almost limitless choice of characters to choose from and few clear-cut rules governed the choice or order of the figures on the pole. Thus the only persons who fully understood the carvings were the owner and those to whom he recited the legends, as was invariably done at a tribal dance when the pole was raised. However some knowledge of Indian art and mythology will take the outsider a good part of the way in unlocking the secrets of B.C.'s picturesque totem-poles.
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