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© Adelaide de Menil		Object name     Photograph Culture of Origin     Tlingit Subject     Saxman, Ketchikan, Alaska, Totem Pole Photographer     Adelaide de Menil Exhibit Label     The U.S. Forest Service started the totem pole restoration program in 1938. One of their projects was to create the Saxman Totem Park. Saxman is located three miles south of Ketchikan, on the Tongass Narrows. The park was intended to showcase Tlingit carvings, originals and replicas, from Tongass, Cat, Village, and Pennock Islands, as well as Cape Fox Village. Today, Saxman has 34 totem poles, a large clan house and several carving centers. The park features a scenic driveway bordered with poles and a grassy square. Two sets of stairs allow access to the square. One stairway is flanked by Raven house posts, while the other is flanked by Bear house posts. This photo depicts Kaats and His Bear Wife (Tlingit). This carving was set against the center of the front of the house, framing the entrance. It was used only on special occasions, as there was another door that the family used ordinarily. This pole belongs to the Kaats House of the Tongass tribe. It is approximately one hundred years old and was brought from Village Island to Saxman in 1939 to be incorporated into the totem park. According to legend this is the fourth pole of its kind carved to commemorate the experiences of Kaats. Original Photo Source ID     de Menil 66-8-39P/9 Source     Ms. Adelaide De Menil Credit     Gift of Adelaide de Menil

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