New in the neighborhood...
On my way home from work last week, I noticed something new:
About a ¾ mile ride down the road from "La Casa de Camo" (my rambling estate) the totem pole shown above has mysteriously appeared.
Whereas totem poles are thought by many to be a symbol of Native American culture generally, their production was actually limited to tribes in the region that is now British Columbia and southeastern Alaska.
Here's an example of one by the Tlingit tribe:
Naturally, this has piqued my curiosity...
About a ¾ mile ride down the road from "La Casa de Camo" (my rambling estate) the totem pole shown above has mysteriously appeared.
Whereas totem poles are thought by many to be a symbol of Native American culture generally, their production was actually limited to tribes in the region that is now British Columbia and southeastern Alaska.
Here's an example of one by the Tlingit tribe:
Naturally, this has piqued my curiosity...
posted by camojack | 08:03
12 Comments:
I've been fortunate enough to visit Alaska and walk around a park up there with 100's of totem poles. They are quite impressive indeed.
This one appears to be the work of a man up in Doylestown Pa, on route 413 if memory serves, he has many examples on the road, will travel to do them at your place I believe.
Pretty cool stuff!
We have lots of totems in our neighborhood; instead of chopping trees flush to the ground, artists will carve a totem pole for you instead. They are beautiful, and last forever. You'll have to show this one to me when I visit you next :)
At Rainbow Stream lean-to is supposedly the "A.T.’s best totem pole." There must not be a lot of competition, however, because it's kinda weak. I have the feeling that it used to be better, but was carved from a soft-wood type of tree and deteriorated over time.
Some pictures:
http://purebound.com/AT/maine/totem_pole.jpg
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/1/7/2/100_mile_wilderness_027.jpg
Imagine carving it by hand with a chert or flint (hand-knapped) knife...
boberin:
Alaska is the only State I have yet to visit, but I'm planning to go there next year. I have been to British Columbia, though.
Marsha:
Yes, I've seen some interesting wood carvings in various places all over the country, totem poles included. I'll be more than happy to show you the one down the street from me, the next time you're in the 'hood.
Frank:
I'd have to agree with you regarding that pole depicted in those links...it is kinda weak. So is the one near me, compared to the genuine article.
Beerme:
I think that the method you described, while undoubtedly authentic, would also be quite time-consuming. Nowadays they use chainsaws and such...
Sorry Camo but I can't help myself...
The way I see it, there's a "Hawkeye" sitting on the head of some "helmeted biker dude" both of whom will be interviewed on "FOX" News wearing funny "underwear".
Or, maybe it's the "Philadelphia Eagles" victorious over the "Minnesota Vikings" broadcast on the "FOX" channel (still wearing funny underwear).
(:D) Best Regards...
Hawkeye®:
Quite all right...I guess those theories are a possibility, if not a probability.
No signature on it? With that white face it's a safe bet it wasn't carved by an Indian.
Camo,
The wooden head in the 2nd picture bears an uncanny resemblence to my ex hubby.
benning:
I didn't look for a signature. As for the face, I'm tending to agree with Hawkeye that it looks like a Viking.
Maggie:
Was your ex-husband a Viking?
No,he was a Redskin.....:>)
Maggie:
Ah, different team...
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