Photograph of a totem pole in Alert Bay, BC. This pole has been called the world's tallest totem pole, though this is a disputed fact since it is actually comprised of two pieces. The pole is not specific to a particular family, but represents multiple tribes of the Kwakwaka'wakw. The pole was completed in the late 1960's and raised in 1973. It is located near the Big House.

Photograph of two men carving a set of house posts that will become part of the bighouse in Alert Bay, BC. These posts were carved and raised before the rest of the structure.

Image of two old house posts on Hope Island, BC. The post on the right appears to be the same as a post now housed at the Museum of Anthropology, that was collected from Hope Island in 1956. Both posts feature a human figure with large eyes. On one post, the figure is holding a small face near its waist. On the other post, the figure is holding what appears to be an animal of some kind. The Museum of Anthropology's website provides the following description of the posts: "The posts of the unfinished house of Ha'm'cit were carved by a man from Smith Inlet called Si.wit who moved to Xu'mtaspi and married Tom Omhyid's mother. Ha'm'cit died before the house was finished. (Information provided to Prof. Wilson Duff by Mungo Martin). The artist's potlatch name was P'aczsmaxw. Wayne Suttles places the Xu'mtaspi village as Nahwitti, in historic times, however it was occupied jointly by the Nahwitti, the Yalhinuxw, and the Noqemqilisala (of Hanson Lagoon)."

Image depicts a close up view of the top of a totem pole carved by Doug Cranmer featuring a mosquito. This pole stood in Deep Cove, BC before being moved to the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta. Views of this pole can be seen in items a034459 - a034467.

Image depicts Douglas Cranmer in the early stages of carving a totem pole. The pole is outside. A chain saw is visible on the ground.

Image depicts Douglas Cranmer in the early stages of carving a totem pole. The pole is outside. He is preparing to use a chain saw to make the early cuts to a pole. Markings are visible, showing where he will cut.

Image depicts a side view of a small-scale totem pole in front of a door. The pole depicts several figures--possibly three Thunderbirds with a seated human figure at the base. See items a034476 - a034482 for other views of this pole.

Image depicts a top section closeup of a small-scale totem pole in front of a door. Visible are two beaked figures, with another seated figure. See items a034476 - a034482 for other views of this pole.

Image depicts a side view of the top of a partially painted carving featuring what may be a Thunderbird. Views of this carving can be seen in items a034483 - a034486.

Image depicts a nearly completed totem pole outside. A can of black paint is visible on the path. This pole may be the St. Catharines Ontario Centennial pole carved in 1967.

Image depicts Douglas Cranmer on a break from carving. He smokes a cigarette as his chain saw rests on the ground.

Image depicts Doug Cranmer using a chain saw to make early cuts on a totem pole.

Image depicts a felled tree which will possibly become a totem pole.

Image depicts Doug Cranmer taking a break from carving. He sits on a wooden bench and his chain saw rests on the ground in front of him.

Image depicts a pole that has been partially carved.

Image depicts a tree with bark intact. The tree sits on some sort of support.

Image depicts a partially carved pole, highlighting the top figure which appears to be a Thunderbird.

Image depicts a partially carved pole, highlighting the mid section of the pole.

Image depicts a partially carved pole being hosed down by carver Doug Cranmer.