Clan House

Clan House. . , By the 1800's the Tlingit and Haida Indians of Southeast Alaska had developed a very sophisticated and highly stratified society. This clan house, in a natural setting similar to historic Tlingit and Haida villages, along with the surrounding totem art, interprets Southeastern Alaskan Native social customs, technology and art. , Representing an early nineteenth century chieftain's dwelling, this building combines traditional features with unusual innovations. The low oval entrance, for example, is typical of the large timber houses, while the facades with stylized raven decorated only a few buildings. The columns against the front corner posts are carvings of a man wearing a spruce hat with crest design, sitting with a cane in his hand. Animals dominate Tlingit and Haida clan heraldry and religion. Both groups consider the raven as a symbol of the Creator Of the prominent animals symbolized include the eagle, wolf, salmon, shark, killer whale, beaver, and frog., The interior, one large room has a square firepit and platform against the walls. Several families would have shared the house, each allotted space but using the common fire. , This structure is one of three replicas in Southeastern Alaska constructed-between 1938 and 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. , On October 27, 1970 Totem Bight State Historic Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.