Front:
OLD WITCH TOTEM, SUKWAN VILLAGE
NOW AT
NUGGET SHOP, JUNEAU, ALASKA
Back:
Die
History of The Old Witch Totem
The Old Witch Totem was erect-
ed about one hundred years ago at
in honor of the great Chief Kitchat.
The carvings of the pole illustrate a legend
of an Old Witch Woman who saved the clan
from starvation by her magic in killing the
Giant who was destroying the food, and she
also by her magic made the Chief's Daughters
beautiful and desirable so that they easily
found husbands.
At the top is the Medicine Man whose magic
failed him in fighting the Giant. He is seated
upon his impotent spirit which is holding the
two rock ods sent to bribe the Old Witch
Woman.
Next is the fearful Giant holding two whales
under his arms. Then appears the Medicine
Man's son, his messenger. Below the son is
Brown Bear holding Land Otter in his mouth.
At the bottom is the Old Witch Woman whose
magic was strong and failed not in overcoming
the Giant and finding husbands for the spin-
sters. (There is a tradition that any one who
rubs against this pole will regain lost love, or
if single, be married within one year.)
For a complete history of this totem
“Totem Lore of the Alaska Indians.”
The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N.
