Sitka NHP, Museum Archives. History of the Waas'go Legend PoleThe Waas'go Legend Pole is one of the original totem poles acquired by Alaska Territorial Governor John Brady for the St. Louis, Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904. He acquired it from K’áyk’aanii (Kaigani) Haida Chief Yeltadzie. The pole was located in K’wíi Gándlaas (Koianglas), on Long Island, in the Prince of Wales Archipelago which is just south of Baranof Island. 
Eby, Shelland, and Stark tourist papers, Alaska Historical Society collections, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage. Years later, in 1939, Sitka National Monument decided to do an official survey to verify the condition of the poles. The Waas'go Legend Pole, like many others, was found to be badly deteriorated. It had been standing out on the trail for nearly 40 years, and had likely stood for many more before that in its home on the Prince of Wales Archipelago. The rainy environment, multiple transportation, and haphazard attempts to preserve the poles had all taken their toll on its condition. Photo Gallery The Making of the Waasgo Legen...109 Images This album follows the progress made by Tlingit Master Carver, Tommy Joseph, as he carves the second reproduction of the "Waas'go Legend Pole" Part 1- Becoming a Traditional Wood Carver Video Player is loading.
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An interview conducted with Tommy Joseph, Naal’xák’w, a Tlingít Master Carver, as he is in the process of re-carving the Waasgo Legend Pole. In Part 1, Tommy Joseph talks about his background as a woodcarver, and opportunities in Southeast Alaska for others to learn how to carve. Part 2 - Carving the Waasgo Legend Pole Video Player is loading.
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An interview conducted with Tommy Joseph, Naal’xák’w, a Tlingít Master Carver, as he is in the process of re-carving the Waasgo Legend Pole. In Part 2, Tommy Joseph talks about how it has been carving the Waasgo Legend Pole so far, as well as the legend behind the pole and some of its history. 
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Last updated: January 29, 2025