Fonds consists of eight slides of totem poles being raised in the Haida Village at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The slides are dated May, 1962. The photographs were taken by George Szanto, the son-in-law of Geoffrey Andrew who was the Dean and Deputy President of UBC from 1947 to 1962.
The totem poles represented in the images were carved by Haida artist Bill Reid and 'Namgis artist Doug Cranmer. They were originally situated at UBC's Totem Park. They are now located on the grounds behind the Museum of Anthropology, and modelled on a 19th century Haida village.
In the foreground is the memorial pole by Bill Reid and Doug Cranmer. The newly constructed Haida and mortuary houses are in the background with other totem poles.
Image depicts Doug Cranmer in the early stages of carving a totem pole. Cranmer squats on one side of the pole while another man stands on the opposite side.
Image depicts a close up view of the base of a totem pole carved by Doug Cranmer. The base features figures that resemble humans. Above the man's head the end of the mosquito proboscis is visible. This pole stood in Deep Cove, BC before being moved to the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta. Views of this pole can be seen in items a034459 - a034467.
Image depicts a rear view of the top of a totem pole carved by Doug Cranmer. This portion depicts a side view of the mosquito's head and wings and reveals that the pole is open at the back. From this perspective a church can be seen in the background. This pole stood in Deep Cove, BC before being moved to the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta. Views of this pole can be seen in items a034459 - a034467.
Image depicts a side view of the top of an unpainted carving featuring what may be a Thunderbird. Views of this carving can be seen in items a034483 - a034486.
Image depicts a side view of the base of a totem pole. From this perspective one possibly human figure can be seen. The figure at the base of the pole appears to have only a head and be wearing a mask.. Views of this pole can be seen in items a034487 - a034492.
Image depicts a carver, possibly Godfrey Hunt, working on a partially carved totem pole. Depicted images include a Thunderbird and a figure holding a copper. This may be the St. Catherines. Ontario Centennial Confederation pole, carved in 1967.
Image depicts the top portion of what may be a small scale totem pole. The image depicted seems to be a Thunderbird, painted in black, white, red, green, and gold. There is another figure below this, but it is not discernible in this photo.