Grand Hall tour
Photograph: Chris Payne
Credits:
The Totem Pole Gambalch
The Totem Pole Gambalch
History of the Pole
Meaning of the Figures
Conservation and Restoration
The Replacement Pole
(Terms in italics
are Tsimshian)
Name Of The Pole
The pole Gambalch has been described by several names, such as
"The Pole of Kuksdedalreh" and
"Hat-of-Tsagyem-hanak" (lying woman).
It has also been referred to as the "Helmer
pole", after the art dealer who sold it to the Museum. The meaning
of the first two names should become apparent through the explanation of
the figures carved into the pole. Gambalch refers to an alpine area in
the saddle of Segukla (Zukla) mountain, which lies behind
the village of Gitsegukla. The area is part of the hereditary territory of
the House of Gim-sta-lox and, hence, the pole is a symbol of their
ownership of the area.
Research and Text - Barry W. E. Bragg Ph.D.
Web Page Production - Sandra Hammel
