Tlingit Art
The Tlingit people have a complex hunter-gatherer culture. They live in the temperate rainforests that are located on the southeastern coast of Alaska, and they can also be found in the nearby Alexander Archipelago. The Tlingit people are divided into many different tribes, which are also known as "kwaans", and some of these tribes are Galyax, Xunaa, S'awdaan, T'akku, Hinyaa, Gunaaxoo, Shtax'heen, Taant'a, and Kooyu.
The Tlingit people use a very complex language that has an extensive grammar and pronunciation system, and they use sounds that are not used in any other languages in the world. Their culture places great emphasis on family ties, and they have a very rich moral history that has been passed down for many generations. The Tlingits are considered a prosperous people because they live in areas where there is an abundance of natural resources.
The most famous Tlingit art symbol is the totem pole. Set at the entrances to people's homes, these poles are mostly carved from cedar trees, and they are used for a variety of purposes, such as artistic presentations, ceremonial structures, as well as emblems of important events. The Tlingits are also famous for their rock carvings, which can be found in many places around Alaska.
- The Tlingit People: This page contains comprehensive information about Tlingit culture
- Tlingit Landscape: This site discusses many aspects of the Tlingit people's way of life
- Art of the Tlingit: This is a page that is dedicated to Tlingit art
- Totem Poles: This page has detailed information about totem poles
In the 1940s, interest in the Tlingit people suddenly increased when a tribe gifted Alaska's mayor with a totem pole. Soon after, everyone wanted totem poles too, and Tlingit art experienced a rebirth, with hundreds of artists commissioned to produce totem poles for the Alaskans. The tradition of totem pole-making has survived until today.
