The Story of the Totem
Frog Woman and Other Creatures © Parks Canada
The Raven totem pole is an extraordinary example of west coast Haida art and culture. How on earth did it come to Jasper?
When the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway opened a northern rail route across the mountains to Prince Rupert in 1914, totem poles were a popular feature of the route. As part of its promotions, the railway company acquired some fine Haida poles for its Prince Rupert and Jasper stations.
The original pole was built by a master carver in the Queen Charlotte Islands sometime in the 1870s-80s. The original pole had an additional three meters of uncarved pole at the top and stood in front of a family house called John. The large raven figure signals the family’s membership within the Raven clan of Haida society.
The pole was moved to its last position beside the train station in 1954. It had been restored and fixed to a creosote pole to provide some additional support.
Frog Woman and Other Creatures
Totem poles honour families and tribal leaders. The figures carved in this pole are symbolic and represent long-standing myths including frog woman, grizzly bear mother, old woman and bullhead. How many images can you spot?
We would love to hear your stories and see your old photos of the Jasper Raven Totem Pole....
Please go to the Jasper Museum Facebook page to share your stories and photos:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jasper-Museum/123561747657136?ref=ts
OR CONTACT
Lori Dowling
Jasper Totem Pole Project Coordinator
Jasper National Park of Canada
Parks Canada
P.O. Box 10, Jasper AB T0E 1E0
Lori.Dowling@pc.gc.ca