The native culture of Alaska is both rich and varied, encompassing the Tlingit totem pole builders and master carvers of the Inside Passage to the far norther Inuit tribes and ranging from the coastal Tlingit societies to the far northern Inuit tribes.
I've always been fascinated by the history and traditions of native North American cultures, and so I jumped at the chance to experience Alaskan native culture first-hand.
No symbol of these native Alaskan cultures is better known than the totem pole.
Some of the best places to see these colorful and amazing examples of native craftsmanship are at several of the ports of call frequented by Alaska cruise ships in the Inside Passage.
Of all the towns and cities along the Inside Passage, Ketchikan and Sitka are perhaps the best places to see totem poles.
In fact, at the Saxman Native Village in Ketchikan, you can not only see fine examples of current and historic totem poles, but you can also watch world-renowned native craftsmen at work on creating totem poles.
I've found these craftsmen to be quite friendly and receptive to answering questions from visitors. Where else can you actually watch famous artists at work and even discuss their work with them?
Totem poles were never created as idols or objects of worship. Instead, they served a variety of functions for the Tlingit peoples, including:
To tell stories or legends of the family or clan. Such poles would often be placed in front of a home, identifying the residents' clan affiliations to passers by.
To commemorate a special event, like a birth or a battle.
As a monument to honor a loved one or leader, serving something of the same purpose as gravestones or statues.
As a monument to shame or disgrace an individual who was perceived to have committed an offense against the clan.
Native Alaska Tlingit Culture
The Tlingit people occupy almost all of the territory of Alaska's Inside Passage, from south of Wrangell to Glacier Bay National Park.
In addition to Saxman Native Village, there are many other wonderful sites along the Inside Passage to experience and learn about Tlingit culture and history.
In Sitka, the Sheldon Jackson Museum is home to one of the oldest collections of Alaska native cultural artifacts and information.
Also in Sitka, the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center houses a great museum of native culture, along with Tlingit wood carving demonstrations.
Sitka National Historical Park is a third local attraction that houses an impressive collection of wood carvings and Tlingit cultural displays.
Finally, many Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises now stop in Icy Strait Point, a new port of call near the northern end of the Inside Passage.
Icy Strait Point is adjacent to the largest Tlingit settlement and is home to the Native Tlingit Historical Park, museum and theater. This park is a great place to learn about the native Tlingit culture and experience native shows and exhibits.
You can experience a wonderful variety of native Alaskan culture and history on an Alaska cruise.
Whether you simply visit a totem pole exhibit or participate in a day-long tour of native sites, you are sure to have a great time and expose yourself to these fascinating cultures.
In addition to Saxman Native Village, there are many other wonderful sites along the Inside Passage to experience and learn about Tlingit culture and history.