Past Treatments

   Of the seven standing poles that were identified as in most serious need of preservation work, it is now believed that one (Yaadaas Crest Pole) dates to the 19th century and was part of the original collection assembled by the District of Alaska territorial governor John Brady and displayed at the 1905 Louis and Clark Exposition in Portland, Oregon. This totem likely will be exhibited indoors.

Some of the Sitka totem collection shown on display at the Louis and Clark Exposition, Portland, Oregon, 1905. The Yaadaas Crest Pole is in the center.

   The other six poles are early replicas of ones in the park collection that were too deteriorated for outside display. Five of the replica poles had been carved during the 1930s by Alaskan Natives employed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The remaining pole (Raven/Shark) is a 1978 reproduction of an original pole sent to the 1964 New York World's Fair which, was moved indoors in 1978 due to deterioration. All 7 poles were hollowed out on the back side at varying lengths above ground. Four poles (Waasgo Legend, Lakich'inei, Yaadaas Crest and Raven/Shark) were mounted with steel bolts onto separate supporting posts that were set into the ground.

Two methods existed for securing the totems in place. Each of the four 4 totems replicated by the Civilian Conservation Corps consisted of one continuous pole which extended into the ground (A). The other 3 totems did not extend into the ground but, rather, were attached to a separate supporting post (B). Due to the deteriorated wood below grade, all 7 totems are being re-erected using separate support posts (B). Drawing: Timothy Buehner.

The Mosquito Legend, Trader Legend and Frog Raven replicas, carved by the Civilian Conservation Corps, have concave backs (above ground only), with the full butt section of the carved poles extending into the ground--the original method for erecting totems.

   A wide range of treatments was undertaken over the years to prolong the life of the poles. Some of the poles in the original collection may have had serious problems with base deterioration even in 1905 with "advanced decay" being reported by 1938. Rotted sections were cut out and recarved pieces attached in some areas during the 1930s. Exposed surfaces were treated with creosote in 1938.

    Between 1938 and 1940, some poles were repaired and others recarved completely. Yellow cedar logs, used as mounting posts, were treated with Avenarious CarbolineumR (highly refined penetrating creosote oil). Above-ground poles were treated with PermatoxR (sodium pentachlorophenate) concentrate and coal tar, repainted and then treated with Perma SealR varnish.

    By 1965, poles were being treated with pentachlorophenol. In 1972-73, the poles were taken down, most of the paint removed, then immersed in sodium fluoride and copper sulfate as a protective measure and the bases treated with "penta grease."

    Between 1976 and 1984, the poles were treated with a wax-mineral oil-varnish mixture (scheduled for reapplication every 3 years) and the poles were sprayed annually with 10% pentachlorophenol solution from 1976 to 1980. Since the wax-mineral oil-varnish mixture was not really effective, this treatment was discontinued by 1985.

Condition Survery

    In 1991, a 3-day Totem Preservation Conference was held in Sitka to evaluate preservation approaches and a condition survey made of the collection. The survey included 30 carved poles and carved house poles at the park; some were on display and others were in storage.

Organic debris had collected in the splits and cracks, contributing to moisture retention and fungal growth.

   The 7 poles determined to be in the most advanced state of decay shared several characteristics. They were all displayed outside and, in consequence, their bases were decayed. In several cases, the moisture content of the wood to 6" above ground was as high as 47% and fungal decay on the surface was clearly evident. Damage to the bases had occurred directly above ground and below grade to a depth of 18".

Deterioration occurred between the support post and the hollowed back of the totem. Coal tar had been applied in the past in an unsuccessful effort to prevent fungal decay.

   Although less serious than the damage to the bases, fungal decay also had occurred at other locations. At the top of the poles, the open end grain and cracks in the wood created perfect conditions for water retention.

   Some of the poles were flat at the top, permitting water ponding. Fungal decay also was evident on the horizontal surfaces of the carvings throughout the length of the poles, in crevices created by carvings, and in the cracks and splits in the wood where organic debris tended to accumulate and retain moisture. One pole had an 8 foot-long vertical split at the base.

   Finally, decay was evident in the concave backs
of the poles that abutted supporting posts.

Solution

 

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