K’uuna Llnagaay
Another village that we visited while touring on the Passing Cloud was K’uuna Llnagaay, also known as Skedans.
K’uuna is located on the east coast of Louise Island (here), just north of Gwaii Haanas.
By sea, this is 130 km north of SGang Gwaay Llnagaay, the subject of yesterday’s post.
The fluting on this mortuary pole looks as if it was inspired by classical European architecture, perhaps seen on early buildings in Victoria, or in printed illustrations.
It is one of five locations in southern Haida Gwaii where Haida watchmen live in the summer and serving as stewards and guides.
It is on an exposed shoreline and often a difficult landing, but we did manage on one of the two tours I was on.
Canon 5Dii, EF 16-35/2.8 lens @16mm, ISO400, f11, 1/200th
burnt embers 
Is a mortuary pole like a tomb stone? Don’t answer if you’ve already told us. I have missed a few posts, I think!
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Hi Kate. A mortuary pole is more like a mausoleum – it holds human remains in a chamber in the top and is decorated with at least one of the important crests of the deceased person by way of a very large plaque at the top of the pole at right angles to the pole itself. Memorial poles are erected when the person’s body is not available – they died at sea, or in a war in another territory and so on. Memorial poles tend to be taller and have numerous of that person’s crests carved on them. House frontal poles tell of the chief and his family/clan that occupy the house which it stands in front of – this is done by way of the crests that the chief/clan have the rights to use.
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That is fascinating, Mr E. Thanks for all the extra detail! ❤️🌺
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Tomorrow’s post is of a mortuary pole – you will see the opening at the top where the box with human remains once was positioned behind a large panel with a crest (panel no longer surviving).
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Fab. I will look for it now!
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