Pioneer Square, a historic neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, is known for its Renaissance Revival architecture and vibrant atmosphere. But amidst the brick buildings and bustling streets, a towering totem pole stands as a silent witness to a complex history – the Pioneer Square Totem Pole. This iconic landmark is not just a piece of art; it’s a symbol laden with cultural significance, controversy, and a narrative that stretches from the late 19th century to the present day.
The Origins of the Pioneer Square Totem Pole: Honoring Tlingit Heritage
The original Pioneer Square Totem Pole was not created in Seattle, but rather originated from Fort Tongass, Alaska. Carved around 1790 by the Tlingit people, an indigenous group from the Pacific Northwest Coast, the totem pole belonged to the Raven Clan, identified by the English surname Kinninook. These monumental carvings were integral to Tlingit culture, serving as visual records of important events, family lineages, and clan identities.
This particular totem pole was erected to commemorate a woman of great stature known as Chief-of-All-Women, who tragically drowned in the Nass River while traveling to visit her ailing sister. At its apex was a carving of a raven, a central figure in Tlingit mythology. The raven is revered as a powerful being who is all-knowing, omnipresent, and the creator of everything. In its original location in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, the raven figure faced north, overlooking 1st Avenue, a silent guardian watching over the city.
The Controversial Acquisition: Theft and “Goodwill”
The story of how this significant cultural artifact arrived in Seattle is far from celebratory. In 1899, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer organized a “Good Will Committee,” composed of prominent Seattle citizens, for a tour of Southeast Alaskan ports on the steamer City of Seattle. During a stop at Fort Tongass, an act of cultural appropriation unfolded.
As recounted by third mate R. D. McGillvery, while the Tlingit villagers were away fishing, he and a group of sailors went ashore and selected the “best looking totem pole.” They proceeded to chop it down, much like felling a tree, and sawed it in two for easier transport. This act of theft was then rewarded; the Committee of Fifteen paid McGillvrey $2.50 for his role in this cultural heist, and the totem pole fragments were loaded onto the ship.
Upon their return to Seattle, the stolen totem pole was presented to the city on October 18, 1899, in Pioneer Square. Despite the questionable circumstances of its acquisition, it was “greeted by cheers of a multitude of people,” according to historical accounts. Attorney William H. Thompson, defending the act, infamously stated that the theft was justified because the “village has long since been deserted,” and in Seattle, the totem would have a “surer speech” than if left in its original location.
Legal and Ethical Fallout: Indictments and Dismissal
The appropriation of the totem pole was not without repercussions. A federal grand jury in Alaska indicted eight prominent Seattle citizens for theft of government property. James Clise, acting President of the Chamber of Commerce at the time and a key figure in the excursion, downplayed the theft in his memoirs, claiming they were given tacit approval by two “decrepit Indians” and that Seattle residents were delighted to receive the totem.
Clise further detailed how political maneuvering and influence were used to evade legal consequences. Pacific Coast state senators and representatives reportedly lobbied the State Department in Washington to dismiss the suit. Adding to this, a newly appointed U.S. District Court Judge for Alaska, upon visiting Seattle and being lavishly entertained, allegedly dismissed the case as one of his first acts in his judicial position.
The Tlingit Tribe, in response to the theft of their cultural heritage, demanded $20,000 in compensation, eventually settling for $500, which was paid by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. This paltry sum was a stark contrast to the immense cultural value and historical significance of the stolen totem pole.
From Arson to Replica: The Legacy of the Pioneer Square Totem Pole
The original Pioneer Square Totem Pole stood for nearly four decades before it was severely damaged by arson in 1938. Removed in 1940, it was replaced by a replica. Significantly, this replica was carved by descendants of the original carvers, marking a step towards reconciliation and acknowledging the Tlingit people’s connection to the totem pole.
Today, the Pioneer Square Totem Pole remains a prominent landmark in Seattle. However, its history serves as a reminder of the complex and often problematic interactions between cultures during the expansion of the American West. It prompts reflection on cultural sensitivity, ownership of cultural artifacts, and the importance of respecting indigenous heritage. The story of the Pioneer Square Totem Pole is a crucial chapter in Seattle’s history, one that continues to resonate and encourage dialogue about the past and present.
Sources:
Paul Dorpat, Seattle Now and Then Vol. 2 (Seattle: Tartu Publications, 1984), 32-35; Joseph H. Wherry, The Totem Pole Indians, (New York: Wilfred Funk, Inc., 1964), 64, 89; William C. Speidel, Sons of the Profits (Seattle: Nettle Creek Publishing Co., 1967), 329-331; Viola Garfield, Seattle’s Totem Poles (Bellevue, WA: Thistle Press, 1996), 9; Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, Data on the History of Seattle Park System Vol. 4 (Seattle: Seattle Parks Department, 1978); James William Clise, “Personal Memoirs 1855-1935” Mimeograph, Altadena, California, 1935, Seattle Public Library.
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