Totem Poles

Totem Poles, Hilary Stewart, University of Washington Press, Seattle, 1990

Dust Jacket: "Magnificent and mystical, the towering carved logs known as 'totem poles' have become a distinctive symbol of Northwest Coast native cultures."

"With the regeneration of Native art and tradition spreading throughout the Northwest Coast since the late 1960s, the proliferation of new totem poles has been remarkable." (p. 7)

"Between the 1870s and 1920s museums acquired hundreds of poles; 1925 Canada did restoration project, & 1938 - 1940, U.S. government moved Alaska poles for tourists (p. 22)

"Ellen Neel sold many miniature totem poles to tourists in Vancouver, B.C. in late 40s." p. 22

"From the 1960s onward, awareness and appreciation of Northwest Coastal art and its traditions grew steadily among non-natives, as did a renewed sense of self-identity and pride among the native people themselves." (p. 23)

"A growing awareness of and interest in the sophisticated art form of the Northwest Coast Indians People has led to an expanding market in well crafted items made by native artisans. Quality gift shops and art galleries offer gold and silver jewelry, argillite carvings, drums, basketry, exquisitely carved and inlaid masks and headdresses, various ceremonial regalia- and many other items, including such contemporary works as silk-screen prints, carved plaques and bronze castings. And totem poles. " (P. 24)