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