identity informed by native alaskan sculpture dr. jean l. langan

Identity Informed by Native Alaskan Sculpture

Dr. Jean L. Langan

“... So, I and others have been on this journey, as Native artists and culture bearers, to show that we as Northwest Native people are still celebrating our culture, and creating these unique works of art. They are as important now as they were in the beginning.”

– David A. Boxley (Kramer, 2004 forward)

Identity of The Totem People

The Totem Pole People Sea oriented Aboriginal Pacific Northwest Coast Cultural similarities Elaborate social and ceremonial structure Clan houses Woodworking

Totem Characters Raven Bear Mother Killer Whale Salmon

Transformation Animal/Supernatural Creatures to Human Shape Shifting Taking Off/Putting on Skin Coat Seduce Win Combat Receive Gifts Effect Revenge

Transformation Figures Large Horizontal Lips Animal or Partially

Human Heads Partially Human

Bodies Back, Human-Shaped

Legs Haunched

Raven Qualities Trickster Transformer Curious/Restless Voracious Appetites Loner Guiltless & Remorseless

Raven Totem Large Bird Resembles Crow Long, Heavy, Beak Break Thrust out or

integrated downward Holds Sun or Moon in

Beak

Totem Bear Ears (if present) Eyebrows Eyes Teeth Paws Many sit upright Holds human child

Killer Whale More rare Carved head down Faces in blow hole Prey of Thunderbird &

Eagle

Salmon Rare Migrates (Sea Foam) Main Food Honorable Catch Vital Regenerative

Powers Docile Food Offering Underwater Villages

Identity & Social Justice Human Rights Equality Economic Egalitarianism Equality of Opportunity & Outcome Symbols for Culture, Micro Culture, Privilege Animal Symbols Paper, Papier Mache, Clay