This pole was on display at UBC in Totem Park in the 1960’s and 1970’s and moved to the Museum in the late 1970’s. It was carved in 1914 in Tsaxis (Fort Rupert) by George Hunt Sr. for the Edward S. Curtis film "In the Land of the War Canoes" which was originally titled "In the Land of the Head Hunters". The pole was collected by Marius Barbeau and Arthur Price in 1947. The pole was repaired and re-painted by carvers Ellen Neel in 1949 and Mungo Martin in 1950-51. It stood at Totem Park, UBC Campus until it was re-located to the Museum's Great Hall in 1976.
Iconography: Kolus is a young thunderbird. Thunderbird is a supernatural bird identifiable by the presence of ear-like projections or horns on the head, and a re-curved beak. The pole alludes to the story of Tongas people in south Alaska, who migrated south.
Originally carved by Mungo Martin in 1902 (Alert Bay). Refurbished by Mungo Martin in 1949. Erected in UBC Totem Park and moved to MOA Great Hall c. 1976.
One of a pair purchased in 1947 from collectors Marius Barbeau and Arthur Price. Collected from Alert Bay. The piece was repainted and repaired (including the replacement of the wings) by Ellen Neel (1949) and by Mungo Martin (1950-51).
Carved by Charlie James c. 1900 (Fort Rupert). Collected by Marius Barbeau and Arthur Price. The pole was re-adzed and re-painted by Kwakwaka'wakw carver Mungo Martin before shipping in 1947. Repainted and repaired by Ellen Neel (1949) and by Mungo Martin (1950-51). It stood at Totem Pole Park, UBC Campus until it was re-located to the Museum's Great Hall c. 1976.
Image of the memorial held for the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. A similar image of the same scene is printed on page 29 of Carter's book "From History's Locker," with the caption: "Under the direction of Chief William Scow the assembled chiefs of the Kwakiutl Nation come forward to make speeches in honor of the late Chief Mungo Martin."
Image of the raising of a totem pole made in memory of the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. The pole was placed at his grave. In this image, the pole has just been positioned into the hole where it will stand. Only the bottom o the pole is visible.
Image of the memorial held for the Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin. A similar image of the same scene is printed on page 29 of Carter's book "From History's Locker," with the caption: "Under the direction of Chief William Scow the assembled chiefs of the Kwakiutl Nation come forward to make speeches in honor of the late Chief Mungo Martin."
