Here stands the Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole. It watches over Chicago from Lincoln Park. This 40-foot monument tells a story of culture and history.
The Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole tradition comes from the Indigenous peoples. They lived in the American Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. The Haida and Kwakwaka’wakw tribes were among them. These totem poles often marked a family’s story. They could also document old legends.
This Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole was carved by the Kwakiutl Indians. They lived on Vancouver Island in the early 20th century. At the top is a thunderbird named Kwanusila. It is a spirit that controls storms. This bird became a symbol for clans on Vancouver Island.
One legend tells of a man. He wanted to build a house. But he could not lift the heavy beams. A thunderbird appeared. The bird offered help. It grabbed the beams with its talons. The thunderbird then put the beams in place. The bird decided to live with the man. It sent its costume to the heavens. It commanded that thunder should only sound when a descendant neared death.
The bird at the top is Kwanusila. Its wings are outstretched. The person with a spear is the man from the legend. Chief George Hunt originally carved the Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole. It was shown at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The pole was made from a single cedar tree. It was so big, it came by railroad.
James L. Kraft donated the Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole to Chicago in 1929. He was the founder of Kraft Foods. Over time the pole suffered. Vandalism, weather, and carpenter ants caused damage. Restoration work changed its look.
The Kwakwaka’wakw tribe asked for the Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole back. They were successful. In 1986, Tony Hunt carved a new pole. He was from the Kwagulth tribe. He kept the original design.
The Chicago Park District took care of the replica Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole in 1996. They fixed cracks. They repainted it. They even remade the eagle’s missing ears.
The original Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole was made around 1900. James L. Kraft found two poles on a trip. He bought them from British Columbia officials in 1926. He brought them to Chicago by train. One went to Wisconsin. The other stayed in a factory yard.
In June 1929, the Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole was dedicated. Native Americans danced in costume. Students from Alcott School joined. The pageant showed Kwanusila. It also showed figures from the pole.
In 1982, the Field Museum learned more about the Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole. It was carved by the Kwakiutl Indians. People thought the Haida made it before. The Canadian government wanted the original back.
The Chicago Park District gave Kwa-Ma-Rolas to a museum. It was at the University of British Columbia. Tony Hunt moved the pole to his village. It was a model for the replica. The replica was dedicated in Lincoln Park in 1986. The Kwa-Ma-Rolas Totem pole stands as a link. It connects Chicago to the art of the Pacific Northwest tribes.