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Detail of People Below the Raven
On-it-Sleeps Raven Pole. This pole was erected before 1884. It was re-erected and the raven on top re-carved in 1927 as a part of a National Museum of Canada project. House of Gaum is house seven on the Gitlaxdzawk map (see Gitlaxdzawk_051).
Restoratioin of Gitladzawk Site
Partially restored site of Gitladzok, the fortress of the Gitselasu tribe in the Kitselas Canyon. Many of the poles have been re-erected and stabilized by Harlan I. Smith for the National Museum of Canada and the CN Railroad. This is an early example of a Native tourist attraction based on the preservation of totem poles.
Sinking Boat
Sternwheeler run aground in the Kitselas Canyon. This is likely the site of Tsunyow. A Sternwheeler drive shaft was excavated at the Tsunyow site and it may be from this particular wreck. Note the fishing station on the rocks in the background. This may be the only photographic documentation of occupation of the Tsunyow site.
Looking up at Relocated Posts
Poles moved across the tracks form Gitladzok fortress so train passangers could see them as they passed. Sparks from trains caused small brush fires, which damaged the poles.
Beaver House Post
The beaver house post of Gitsaxdzawk representing the giant beaver Pelemgwae. Known as the Peleqwa House post, it belonged to the house of Iyoos. House 1 on the Gitlaxdzawk map (see Gitlaxdzawk_051).
Replica of Gaum Post
George F. MacDonald speaking with Kitselas Band member beside a fiberglass replica of Gaum's interior house post, Whole Being. House of Gaum is house seven on the Gitlaxdzawk map (see Gitlaxdzawk_051).
Artist Portrait of Gaum with Frontlet
Portrait of Chief Gaum.
Gitsegukla Village
Looking downriver through the lower village.
Whole-Person or Maw' (Eagle) pole
Raised by Chief Wiistis. At the top is the Eagle or Live-Eagle followed by a large undecorated space, and then the figures known as Whole-Person, All-Men or Rafters. The bottom has two Humans one above the other. The top human has their hands on their knees, and the bottom human has their hands raised.
Side View: Whole-Person or Maw' (Eagle) pole
Perched at the top is the Eagle or Live-Eagle followed by a large undecorated space, and then the figures known as Whole-Person, All-Men or Rafters. The bottom has two Humans one above the other. The top human has their hands on their knees, and the bottom human has their hands raised.
Detail: Whole-Person or Maw' (Eagle) pole
This detail of the Whole-Person or Maw' (Eagle) pole of Chief Wiistis shows the two rows of Whole-Persons, All-Men or Rafters. Note how the faces of the upper row appear to be frowning, whereas the lower row all appear to be smiling.
Whole-Person or All-Men pole and Whole-Person or Maw' (Eagle) pole
On the left is the Whole-Person or All-Men pole and on the right is the Whole-Person or Maw' (Eagle) pole, which were both raised by Chief Wiistis.
Whole-Person or All-Men pole
This pole was raised by Chief Wiistis and has also been called Empty-Canoe or Just-Bark. Perched at the top is the Eagle, followed by the Empty-Canoe, which has rafters inside. At each end of the rafters are carved human faces or heads. Next is a second Eagle, and at the bottom, the Whole-Person.
Totem Poles of Gitsegukla
Found in the lower village, these poles are named (left to right): Hat-of-Tsagyem-hanak, Snag-of-the-Sand-Bar, and Ladder-in-Steps.
Snag-of-the-Sand-Bar pole
This pole, also known as the Weneel totem pole was raised by Chief Weget. This photo details the top Thunderbird, that was partially destroyed when the pole later fell. Below are two rows of skulls. The first row are without bodies and the second row have bodies.