228. Quaker Sgt Preston Mail Away Totem Set

A set of five clay composite poles, hand painted and varnished, given away in 1952 as a mail away premium with Quaker Puffed Wheat and Rice, in association with the popular tv series Sgt Preston of the Yukon.

Although not specifically mentioned in connection with the series, each of the poles are based on actual monuments in the area.

The original mailer includes the card insert and instruction leaflet, with a brief description of each pole.

THUNDERBIRD

Thunderbird sits atop a Beaver representing the Basket Bay Tlingit Clan and the marriage between them and the Kata clan, shown by the Bear on the lowest position. 

THE FIGHT WITH
THE LAND OTTERS

This totem represents two legends, a fight between Raven and a Bullhead fish and the abduction of four boys by a tribe of Otters and the subsequent fight to rescue them.

BURIAL (MORTUARY) POLE

This type of pole contained the remnants of a high status persons burial. This one contained the bones and ashes of Chief Ske-Dans of Skidegate on the Queen Charlotte Islands. The rectangular header contains a mortuary box to hold the remains. The Moon is the chiefs personal emblem, the Mountain Goat his mothers and the Grizzly Bear at the base, his fathers tribe.

KILLER WHALE

This is the totem of the Tongas Tribe, showing Raven, Beaver, Boy, Sea Lion and Whale at the base.

SUN & RAVEN

This pole shows the exploits of Raven and includes the Sun motif, Children of the Sun, Fog Woman, Raven and Bullfrog.

The Sun & Raven pole is also featured in the Nabisco Rin Tin Tin  premium set from 1958 - See post No.197 for further information.

SUN & RAVEN POLE - SAXMAN PARK B.C