The totem pole is instrumental through its story telling and historical representation. Each figure on a totem represents a clan, family or entity. This is a critical component of Tlingit spiritual belief. This Tlingit Model Pole in particular includes human and animal figures. The artist, George Benson was notable for restoring and creating replicas of totem carvings. Benson was employed by government agencies, such as Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) after which he moved to teaching with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB). Carvers in CCC helped bridge the cultural gap created by Americanization. This cultural disconnect was also linked to the Christianization of of Alaska Natives that created a separation from spiritual artwork tied to their culture. Benson was of orthodox faith and raised his children in this way. Despite different spiritual beliefs, Benson played an instrumental role in keeping his culture and tradition alive, as well as sharing it with others through Tlingit art and design.
