The Chief’s pole carved by Charlie Yakuglas James, was commissioned by Chief Smith Sewid of the Kwakwaka’wakw Tlowitsis Nation in the early 1900s, acquired and transported to New Mexico in 1941.
Kwakwaka’wakw carvers Tom Hunt, Jr. lead, and Bert Smith apprentice, are working to restore the pole, filling missing areas of wood with wood plugs, carving new elements that are currently missing, and working with students to prime and repaint the pole.
The finished pole will be raised Saturday, May 20.
View the carvers at work 9am -5pm May 3 - 17 (weekdays only)
Participate in "Ask the Carvers" Wednesday May 10 & 17 at 3pm.
Free and open to all.
