Yaadaas Crest Corner Pole- Second Twin

Yaadass Crest Corner Pole- Second Twin

Sitka National Historical Park

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Wheelchair Accessible

The original Yaadaas Crest corner poles were obtained from Old Kasaan, along with the Yaadaas Crest Pole. This recarving was completed in 1982 by Nathan Jackson (Yéilch Ya’di) and Steve Brown (Kaajísdu.áxch). Notice the difference in adzing style and carving technique between this recarving and the recarving of the first twin. Although the design is the same, each carver executes the design with an individualized touch. As with the First Twin, previously seen along Totem Trail, the crests on this pole represent the clan lineages of the family who owned the pole.
Starting at the bottom is the bear which holds an animal in its mouth. Atop the bear is Raven, followed by Raven sitting in human form. On the top of the pole is the Village Watchman.
A figure of the Village Watchman at the top is unique to Haida crest poles and has no significance or relationship to the crests. It is intended to let the people know that they are being watched over and will be protected. The carved hat worn by the Town Watchman is intended to represent the conical chief’s hat that is carved of wood or woven of spruce roots and topped by a series of rings carved into the wood or cylinders woven of spruce roots and attached such that the cylinders sways as the wearer of the hat dances. It is believed that in the past each cylinder or ring indicated the number of potlatches that have been given. The greater the number of potlaches that an individual had hosted, the greater the status of the clan.  A “Potlatch” among Native people of the Northwest Coast is an opulent ceremonial feast at which possessions are given away or destroyed to display wealth or enhance prestige.