Series consists of photographs documenting totem pole raising or restoration and other events held at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Museum of Anthropology (MOA).
In 1976 Jensen was hired by MOA to document the installation of totem poles into the new building. Jensen did not keep the negatives for these photographs (MOA did in this instance). She was hired again in 1981 to create a slide loop of images to be featured in the museum. After working with the museum, she felt welcome there and often gave talks or did training. Most of the subsequent photographs in this series were taken at public events such as book launches or pole raisings.
Human figure totem pole from Alert Bay, B. C. The figure appears to be wearing a hat and may be a mortuary pole. Photo by E. J. Cooke, published by J. Barnard Photographers, LTD, Victoria, B. C.
View of several totem poles in Nimpkish Band Cemetery. Totem on the far right of image is a memorial to Billie Moon, carved by Willie Seaweed and Joe Seaweed in 1931. The pole second from the right, carved by Doug Crammer, Richard Hunt, Bruce Alfred, Donna Ambers, Fish Ambers, and Richer Sumner, is a memorial to Dan Crammer.
Closeup of very tall totem pole also depicted in item a033272. This pole resembles one reputed to be the world's tallest totem pole. Built in the late 1960s, it was raised in 1973. It is attributed to carver Jimmy Dick and stands 173 feet tall. In 2007 the top of this pole was blown off in high winds.
Photograph of a woman posing next to an unidentified totem pole in Alert Bay, BC. The pole features two figures: a human figure on the bottom with outstretched arms, and a thunderbird on top.
Photograph of the interior totem poles of the longhouse in Alert Bay, BC, while the poles are still being carved. These poles were carved and raised before the rest of the structure. Two boys are standing near the poles.
Photograph of a set of totem poles that will become part of the longhouse in Alert Bay, BC. These poles were carved and raised before the rest of the structure.
View of the Killer Whale Arch located at the entrance to the Kwatiul Indian Cemetery. This arch is a memorial to a boy lost at sea. Located at Alert Bay, British Columbia. Several crosses and memorial totem poles are visible behind this archway.
Image depicts two totem poles erected very close together. Read's notes indicate that these are the Poles of Ksrarom-Larhae, located in Gitsegyukl. "Snag-of-the-Sand-Bar pole. At the bottom the monster Hagwelaworh (?), a whale-like sea monster. "
View of totem pole from Alert Bay, B. C. depicting two figures: a man with a bird sitting on his head. Pole appears to be standing in an open area with trees in the background. Lower right corner contains the initials E. T. See also images a033242, a033247, and a033260, which depicts this same image.
Image depicts a close up showing the details of the lower figures on a totem pole, probably the Snag-of-the-Sand-Bar pole from the House of Chief Skogum Laxhe. The bottom figure is is the monster Hagwelawrh, who lives under the water and causes the Sand-Bar to raise with his back. See also image a034836 for another view of this pole.
Image depicts a totem pole with an inscription indicating that it is in memorial to a Chief who died. The pole depicts two similarly carved creatures that may be owls. Several buildings are visible behind the pole and mountains can be seen in the distance.
Image depicts several totem poles standing in a row. Read's pencil notes suggest that these are the Poles of Arteeh at Kitwanga .The pole second to the right is called the Pole of the Mountain Lion. See also items a034845 and a034846.
