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© Adelaide de Menil		Object name     Photograph Culture of Origin     Tlingit Subject     House Post Photographer     Adelaide de Menil Exhibit Label     This house post is known as Panting Wolf. It is a replica of a very old house post and is the crest of the Kaagwaantaans. Much of the history and identity of the clan is told through the totem figures. Abalone shell inlay is an outstanding feature of this house post. This use of shell indicates wealth and was a trade item from the coast of California or Oregon. The large wolf in a sitting position holds a little wolf in his paws. The little wolf represents the importance of future generations of the clan. The tongue extended to him represents the transfer of knowledge. Several explanations are given for the three inverted heads on the house post. One interpretation is that they represent three clans whose members came to the potlatch. Source: Alaska Natural History Association 2005 Carved History: The Totem Poles and House Posts of Sitka National Historical Park. Anchorage, Alaska: National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Interior. Page 10. Original Photo Source ID     de Menil 66-8-41A/23A Source     Ms. Adelaide De Menil Credit     Gift of Adelaide de Menil

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