I don't know who keeps it painted it Pam, but here’s some history on the pole for ya: During the early years of the ongoing battle for prominence between Tacoma and Seattle, two Tacoma residents commissioned this totem pole to outdo Seattle's. It was carved from a single red cedar tree by Sitka, Alaska Indians at a cost of $3,000 and was presented to the City in 1903. Since Alaskan Indian totem poles are not allowed to leave their tribes, the Indians were brought to Tacoma and paid for a summer while they carved the pole. When completed the pole was the world’s tallest at 82 feet above ground (105 feet in total length.) Fifty-nine years later Seattle erected the 605 ft. tall Space Needle, and nobody’s heard a peep out of Tacoma since.
To tell ya the truth, I like the totem pole better. It's colorful, has a great deal of interesting historical background, and I have a bit of American Indian in my blood. Thanks for the great history lesson.
The Indians originally used pigments made from clay and roots to paint the poles. The colors were originally very bright but became subdued after weathering several winters. Nowadays, enamels, lacquer, & duco are mostly used – nothing water-based for obvious reasons.
I loved visiting Sitka Totem Park on our last trip to Alaska. The colors are still amazing. Most poles today are treated with a borate wood preservative in order to protect them against fungal decay and insect damage.
As far as I know, the National Park Service is responsible for all repairs and maintainence. Can't wait to go back this May.
That's some totem pole! Who keeps it painted?
ReplyDeleteI don't know who keeps it painted it Pam, but here’s some history on the pole for ya: During the early years of the ongoing battle for prominence between Tacoma and Seattle, two Tacoma residents commissioned this totem pole to outdo Seattle's. It was carved from a single red cedar tree by Sitka, Alaska Indians at a cost of $3,000 and was presented to the City in 1903. Since Alaskan Indian totem poles are not allowed to leave their tribes, the Indians were brought to Tacoma and paid for a summer while they carved the pole. When completed the pole was the world’s tallest at 82 feet above ground (105 feet in total length.) Fifty-nine years later Seattle erected the 605 ft. tall Space Needle, and nobody’s heard a peep out of Tacoma since.
ReplyDeleteTo tell ya the truth, I like the totem pole better. It's colorful, has a great deal of interesting historical background, and I have a bit of American Indian in my blood. Thanks for the great history lesson.
ReplyDeleteThe Indians originally used pigments made from clay and roots to paint the poles. The colors were originally very bright but became subdued after weathering several winters. Nowadays, enamels, lacquer, & duco are mostly used – nothing water-based for obvious reasons.
ReplyDeleteI loved visiting Sitka Totem Park on our last trip to Alaska. The colors are still amazing. Most poles today are treated with a borate wood preservative in order to protect them against fungal decay and insect damage.
As far as I know, the National Park Service is responsible for all repairs and maintainence. Can't wait to go back this May.