Frog-Raven Pole

Frog-Raven Pole at the lower entrance to Totem Trail

Quick Facts

Location:

At the entrance of Totem Loop Trail

Amenities

4 listed

Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Standing before you is a recarving of a Kaigani Haida crest pole from Klinkwan on the southern coast of Prince of Wales Island. The original pole was obtained from Edward Scott around 1903. This 25-foot pole has three clan crests, which are animals, depicted. The bottom figure may be a bear, holding an upside-down human looking figure and a raven between its paws. Above that is a raven. Its beak looks newer than the rest of the pole because in 2013 a new beak was carved to replace its original, it is black with red lips and nostrils. The raven is wearing a clan hat with 5 lines carved into it, and on top of the hat is a small frog, facing downward. Almost all the paint is worn from this pole, but some traces of red and black can be found on the bear and ravens.Two local Alaska Native Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) carvers, George Benson (Lkeináa) and John Sam (Chináa) replaced the original Frog/ Raven pole in the 1940’s.