Yaadaas Crest Pole

The Yaadass Crest Pole in Sitka National Historical Park.

NPS Photo/ Cinnamon Dockham

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Bicycle - Rack, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

An important part of Alaska Native culture, the potlatch served as a formal announcement and public validation affirming important events and the rights of individuals, families and clans. 
In 2006, the Park celebrated the centennial anniversary of the 1906 arrival of the Brady totem pole collection at Sitka National Historical Park with the raising of this new pole. Carved by two young Kaigani Haida carvers, brothers from Hydaburg on Prince of Wales Island, who belong to the Yaadaas clan. Timothy (Sgwaayaans) and Joseph (Gidawaan) Young described their work as a way to honor their ancestors and to share information about their culture and heritage. 
This pole is a recarving of the original Yaadaas Crest Pole from Old Kasaan on Prince of Wales Island The original pole remains in the Park’s collection and may be viewed in the Totem Preservation Exhibit, located behind the visitor center. Its story was shared at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, MO, the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland, OR and the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
This pole has several figures carved on it, the most recognizable of which are multiple bears, identified by the presence of claws, teeth and wide snouts. Smaller figures are carved between the large ones and the pole is topped with two traditional village watchmen. The pole is painted in traditonal red and black to depict facial features.