New photos of Sydney Campbell, |
In 1929 These poles are very interesting; the larger two display the same four figures, in different order; they are variants or combinations of the "good luck totem" with other figures possibly taken from Chief Kian's and Johnson's totems--owl and wolf. The speckled bear here holds a fish. Click to see more discussion of Campbell's possible role in the design of the "good luck totem." |
Sydney (or Sidney) Campbell was born around 1847 of the Ginandoiks ("Kinchtawiks") band, "second councillor's house;" his names were Nisluut ("Shaman") and Gispewudwade (killer-whale phratry). He is sometimes referred to as a Chief, and was a cousin of Eli Tait's father, Nis'awalp (John Tait). He is the earliest of the known Metlakatlan carvers, and possibly is one of the main sources of the Metlakatlan carving style; he was old enough to have had a traditional apprenticeship before conversion to Christianity, unlike many of the others, or Casper Mather, who was self-taught. Newly-found photos (below) show a good knowledge of traditional carving, including the making of several full-size totem poles. His poles show many interesting transitional qualities, and are discussed elsewhere in connection with the Kian totem and other carvers. At the bottom of the this page is a photo of two large Campbell poles. Baptized 1-10-1875 by Rev. Tomlinson; married in 1883 to Sophia Isabella Scott (1847-1929); her father was Shuhalaith, and her mother Deihsh. Campbell was a notable member of the early community, and perhaps a cousin of Eli Tait. A fisherman, carpenter, and carver, he died in 1934. According to the Ketchikan Sunday Chronicle of August 26, 1934, Campbell had an extremely important role in the creation of Metlakatla: |
Sydney Campbell |
Sydney (or Sidney) Campbell was born around 1847 of the Ginandoiks ("Kinchtawiks") band, "second councillor's house;" his names were Nisluut ("Shaman") and Gispewudwade (killer-whale phratry). He is sometimes referred to as a Chief, and was a cousin of Eli Tait's father, Nis'awalp (John Tait). He is the earliest of the known Metlakatlan carvers, and possibly is one of the main sources of the Metlakatlan carving style; he was old enough to have had a traditional apprenticeship before conversion to Christianity, unlike many of the others, or Casper Mather, who was self-taught. Newly-found photos (below) show a good knowledge of traditional carving, including the making of several full-size totem poles. His poles show many interesting transitional qualities, and are discussed elsewhere in connection with the Kian totem and other carvers. At the bottom of the this page is a photo of two large Campbell poles. Baptized 1-10-1875 by Rev. Tomlinson; married in 1883 to Sophia Isabella Scott (1847-1929); her father was Shuhalaith, and her mother Deihsh. Campbell was a notable member of the early community, and perhaps a cousin of Eli Tait. A fisherman, carpenter, and carver, he died in 1934. According to the Ketchikan Sunday Chronicle of August 26, 1934, Campbell had an extremely important role in the creation of Metlakatla: |
In 1923, with Josephine Hewson Hayward |
In 1929 These poles are very interesting; the larger two display the same four figures, in different order; they are variants or combinations of the "good luck totem" with other figures possibly taken from Chief Kian's and Johnson's totems--owl and wolf. The speckled bear here holds a fish. Click to see more discussion of Campbell's possible role in the design of the "good luck totem." |
Sidney Campbell in traditional regalia, c.1875-1880 |
Note the whale crest on the dance blanket; unknown maker, (Deihsh?). Other crests on the apron and leggings. Apron appears to have a fringe of cormorant skins; ermine skins hang from the frontlet, which is surmounted by sea-lion whiskers. |
Alaska State Library/Duncan Cottage Collection/PCA 43-28 not to be reproduced without permission from the Alaska State Library |
New photos of Sydney Campbell, |
Fred Verney / Charles Brendible / William Duncan / Jacob Scott / Frank Allen / James Leask / Paul Mather / Benjamin Haldane / Edmund Verney / Sam Auriol / Sydney Campbell / Mark Hamilton Adolphus Clavert / Henry Ridley Sr. Members of the Metlakatla City Council |
These two Campbell poles stood in front of Knox Bros. store; the sign reads "These totems were carved by Chief Neesh Loot and his native Tribesmen." |
(Thanks to CS for research assistance) |
