Front:
Alaşka Indian Totem Pole
at" Totem Place" West SeatHle.
Home of §.E.Standley
自,
Back:
HISTORY OF INDIAN TOTEM POLES
U. S. Smithsonian report says: “Only five tribes of Indians carve Totems.”
(S. E. Alaska and
British Columbia.) Totemism embraces forms of Geneology, Myths, Charms, Evil Spirits, Legends and
witchcraft. Through transmigration human intelligence exists in animals and birds. Totemic symbols
are regarded with superstitious, almost sacred, reverence, but not idolatry. Totem Poles, covered with
grotesque figures of animals, fish, birds, and beings. Many are gaudily painted, elaborately carved,
from 1 to 80 ft. in height. Hundreds standing in numerous villages. Family Klan Totem is trans-
mitted by inheritance. In marriage, the wife's Totein is added—be it whale, bear, frog, raven, fish,
eagle or wolf, Tote means to carry, so the mystic spirits prompted Seattleites to tote off the best
60-foot Cedar Totem Pole in the bunch from Tongas Island, Alaska, 1897, where it had stood for 110
years, and placed it in Pioneer Square, settling the bill later. Among Totems are Clan, House. Burial,
Individual and Geneological poles. Totems are read from the top downwards. Some times two clans
are joined together, such as half Bear half Whale, signifying his ancestors belonged to Bear and
Whale Clan. See the several large Alaska Totem Poles at "Totem Place,” Cala. and Palm Ave., West
Seattle, home of J. E. Standley, Propr. Ye Old Curiosity Shop, ground floor entrance Colman Dock, foot
Columbia St., Seattle.
ALL SIZES TOTEMS FOR SALE AT THE SHOP, MADE OF WOOD, IVORY, STONE, AND COPPER.
Established 1899
You Are Invited to Visit This World-Famous Shop. Everybody Welcome.
young Alonely
Truly To Mrs. Evanes
Del
28
1927
