Jamestown S'Klallam Totem Poles— Inspired Journeys (2024)

I was fortunate to visit the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’ House of Myths, the shed where the Tribe’s totem poles, masks, panels and other items are created and restored. The House is located in Sequim near the Tribe’s original village, close to the Dungeness Spit and the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. S’Klallam means “strong people” and Tribal members are proud of their heritage and share it through their totems.

Bud Turner is the carving team’s leader, having replaced Dale Faulstich, when Dale retired in 2016 after 22 years. He created the designs, met with the Tribal Council, measured the logs, scaled the drawings and of course, carved poles, which was his favorite part. Dale retired from the House in 2016 but not before assuring that he had trained carvers to carry on the work. Bud has taken over all of those responsibilities as well as serving as the manager of the program. Dusty Humphries has been at the shed for ten years and learned carving from both his mother, an accomplished carver, and from Dale. Tim O’Connell is the newest carver and is learning under the guidance of Bud and Dusty. With Bud working off site the day I visited, Dusty and Tim educated me about building and restoring totem poles and explained everything in great detail. Just seeing the detail and care of their work to create unique pieces of art gave me appreciation for the respect they have for the important work they are doing for the Tribe and its members.

Totem poles are important symbols for Native Americans as they represent ancestries, histories, people and events. They commemorate the folklore of tribes’ religious, cultural, and traditional beliefs. And they tell stories. The book, Totem Poles of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe: The Art of Dale Faulstich, describes the history of most of the totems and the story each one symbolizes. In addition to the totems’ functions, each is a stunning piece of art.

The log is measured very carefully and a scale drawing is created to serve as the guide for the carvers to follow. A chalk line is snapped down the center of the log’s front to assure the symmetry of the finished totem pole. When the scale drawings are complete the carver pencils in the first broad guidelines of the shapes to be carved. Each figure on the totem is carved on one side at a time to provide an opportunity to identify sculpting problems along the way. At each stage another carver transfers key points to the other side of the log, then begins to match the original model as closely as possible.

Once the figures have been carved, a traditional textured surface is applied. Horizontal elements, such as wings, are carved separately and applied later. Two coats of clear sealant are applied then the traditional colors – reds, blacks and blue-greens are added. According to Totem Poles of the Jamestown S/Klallam Tribe, “The carvers/painters study the brushwork for its effect on balance, composition, and harmony before creating the final sharp lines and striking contracts that add power to the carvings.

Visiting the totem poles at the Tribal Center in Blyn was so enlightening. The center sits on tribal land, overlooking the striking Strait of Juan de Fuca. Walking around the campus, strewn with beautiful carvings, the buildings and space surrounding the totems exemplify the Tribe’s value of caring for and protecting its environment.