Sweet Well- Weathered Harnessing of the Atom Tlingit Kooteeyaa, Juneau-Douglas City Museum ~ Juneau, Alaska
Harnessing of the Atom
Amos L. Wallace, Western Red Cedar, 1967
Through a visual language typical of kooteeyaa (totem pole), this fifteen foot carving reveals aspects of Alaska's American & Russian history, humankind's efforts to control energy, & Tlingit spirituality. It suggest an interesting parallel between the Tlingit story of how light was bestowed to the world of humans, & the developement of nuclear energy by 20th century physicists.
At the top of the pole is the Bald Eagle, representative of the United States. Next is a Russian Orthodox priest, illustrating the influence of Russia & Christianity on Alaska. Below is a human being holding the sun, which has been released by Raven, the final figure shown.
Amos Wallace played an important role in drawing national attention to the arts of Tlingit people, & his work can be found in numerous collections throughout the United States.
Amos Wallace, 1967
Harnessing of the Atom
Western Red Cedar
This kooteeyaa (totem pole) tells the story of the harnessing of the atom. The pole was carved in 1967 by Tlingit carver Amos Wallace of Juneau. His Tlingit name was Jeet Yaaw Dustaa of the T;akdeintaan Clan of the X'aakw Hit Tlingit (Freshwater-marked Coho House). Wallace, an artist who worked in many differnet media was renowned for his carving & engraving. He died in 2004.
In 1976, th epole was installed here at what is now the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. The traditional method of mounting a kooteeyaa involves digging a hole for the lower end of the pole to rest in. Rocks line the hole to provide drainage & stability. By 2003, the kooteeyaa had developed a distinct lean & was in danger of severe damage. It was removed from its original, traditional mount. A new Aluminum support post was mounted in a concrete base to provide better stability & prevent further damage. Traditionally, a leaning pole might sometimes be propped up, but once fallen, it is generally left to return to the earth.
Harnessing of the Atom is 15 feet tall & carved of western red cedar. Cedar is the most commonly used tree for craving kooteeyaa because it withstands the elements so well. Decay is natural in kooteeyaa exposed to the effects of wind, weather, insects, & a hard life outside in the Southeast Alaska weather. Due to the organic material, cracks are natural & should not be seen as a flaw in the carving.
Sweet Well- Weathered Harnessing of the Atom Tlingit Kooteeyaa, Juneau-Douglas City Museum ~ Juneau, Alaska
Harnessing of the Atom
Amos L. Wallace, Western Red Cedar, 1967
Through a visual language typical of kooteeyaa (totem pole), this fifteen foot carving reveals aspects of Alaska's American & Russian history, humankind's efforts to control energy, & Tlingit spirituality. It suggest an interesting parallel between the Tlingit story of how light was bestowed to the world of humans, & the developement of nuclear energy by 20th century physicists.
At the top of the pole is the Bald Eagle, representative of the United States. Next is a Russian Orthodox priest, illustrating the influence of Russia & Christianity on Alaska. Below is a human being holding the sun, which has been released by Raven, the final figure shown.
Amos Wallace played an important role in drawing national attention to the arts of Tlingit people, & his work can be found in numerous collections throughout the United States.
Amos Wallace, 1967
Harnessing of the Atom
Western Red Cedar
This kooteeyaa (totem pole) tells the story of the harnessing of the atom. The pole was carved in 1967 by Tlingit carver Amos Wallace of Juneau. His Tlingit name was Jeet Yaaw Dustaa of the T;akdeintaan Clan of the X'aakw Hit Tlingit (Freshwater-marked Coho House). Wallace, an artist who worked in many differnet media was renowned for his carving & engraving. He died in 2004.
In 1976, th epole was installed here at what is now the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. The traditional method of mounting a kooteeyaa involves digging a hole for the lower end of the pole to rest in. Rocks line the hole to provide drainage & stability. By 2003, the kooteeyaa had developed a distinct lean & was in danger of severe damage. It was removed from its original, traditional mount. A new Aluminum support post was mounted in a concrete base to provide better stability & prevent further damage. Traditionally, a leaning pole might sometimes be propped up, but once fallen, it is generally left to return to the earth.
Harnessing of the Atom is 15 feet tall & carved of western red cedar. Cedar is the most commonly used tree for craving kooteeyaa because it withstands the elements so well. Decay is natural in kooteeyaa exposed to the effects of wind, weather, insects, & a hard life outside in the Southeast Alaska weather. Due to the organic material, cracks are natural & should not be seen as a flaw in the carving.