Where the people gather

the long version

The totem pole - in all its powerful beauty is a distinctive and widely recognized form of traditional native art that is alive and thriving today. Where the People Gather is the first book to document the entire process of carving a pole. It begins with, renowned Nisga'a artist Norman Tait's inspection of the raw cedar log and ends with the raising of the 42-foot completed pole three months later. This totem pole is named Wil Sayt Bakwhlgat, which means "the place where the people gather.". As Tait teaches his apprentices, carving a pole involves more than time and labour, tools and techniques, artistic and emotional commitment; it involves their cultural background and being. The apprentices must make their own carving tools, design their regalia, and practice traditional songs, dances and drumming for the pole-raising ceremony. Through an intimate text and 125 photographs, Vickie Jensen captures the atmosphere in which the pole is carved - the carving shed, cedar chips, blistered hands and long days - and celebrates its completion.