Thunderbird House Post Totem Pole in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada
The Thunderbird House Post Totem Pole is a striking visual treat! The colorful, outspread open wings of the prominent Thunderbird figure make it probably the most famous and widely photographed favorite totem pole in Stanley Park.
Listen to our narrated video guide about this totem pole:
Plaque Transcription
THUNDERBIRD HOUSE POST
CARVED HOUSE POSTS ARE USED IN TRADITIONAL FIRST Nations cedar houses to support the huge roof beams. This pole is a replica of a house post carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Charlie James in the early 1900s. Tony Hunt carved this replica in 1987 to replace the older pole now in the Vancouver Museum.
James experimented with colours and techniques creating a bold new style that has influenced generations of artists including his step-son Mungo Martin and grand-daughter Ellen Neel. A pole by Ellen Neel stands to the left.
Photo caption: House posts at the Alert Bay Big House Gukwdzi. Sea Kingdom dancers at a 1983 potlatch.
Crest Figures
From top to bottom, this historic house post carving features two prominent cultural crest figures:
- Thunderbird with massive outstretched wings (positioned at the apex anchor)
- Grizzly Bear holding a human figure (positioned securely at the base)
Photo Gallery
Where is the Thunderbird House Post Totem Pole?
The Thunderbird House Post Totem Pole is on display alongside several other magnificent First Nations Totem Poles inside the primary meadow viewing installation grounds at Brockton Point in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada.