114 
DESCKIPTION 
This pole (Plate XXI, figure 5) bears the name of Standing-bear 
( H (Ethum-smaih or Tam-smaih), It shows three complete figures of the 
Bear, meant to be the Grizzly, sitting erect, above one another; and the 
head of a fourth at the top. 
ORIGIN 
The Grizzly-bear is the outstanding crest of this clan. It appears 
under special forms and names in the possession of most, if not all, the 
members of its families among the three nations of the Tsimsyan.^ The 
account of its mystic origin so far was recorded only once, in connexion 
with the household of Malee, at Gitwinlkul (See page 109). In the 
other narratives of the Gitksan branch of this clan it is mentioned once, 
in an episode wherein it is related that Ka-ugwait’s house was destroyed 
for blood revenge, after he had slain his relative Keesae. The avengers 
burnt the house-poles inside his house, whereon the figure of the Bear was 
represented, but saved the other Bear carvings for their own use, thus 
practically conquering them in warfare. 
FUNCTION AND CARVER 
It was erected over forty years ago, in memory of a former Spawrh,^ 
by his successor of the same name. Three other men since have borne in 
turn the name of Spawrh, including the last (Johny Patsy), who died a few 
years ago. 
The carver was Isaac Tsens (Tseegwee), of the Fireweed phratry, 
formerly of Gitsegyukla and most of his life domiciled at Hazelton.® 
Tjens, although not among the best carvers of the Gitksan, showed that 
he really belonged to their artistic lineage, in this pole, which is of good 
quality. The red, black, and white marks at the nostrils, the eyes, the 
eyebrows, the ears, the chops, and the teeth, add a mellow touch of colour 
to the plastic features of the bears, which were further improved by the 
natural growth of a yellow fungus on various parts of their bodies. 
(34) Poles of Kleem-larhae, at Kispayaks 
OWNERS 
Kleem-larhae is a member of the Prairie ( Larhwiyip ) clan of the 
Wolves. His earliest ancestor on the Skeena was Ka-ugwaits, as we have 
seen (page 113), and his relatives abroad are: Spawrh, of Gitenmaks 
(Hazelton); Malee, of Gitwinlkul; Skateen, of Nass river, and Nees- 
laranows, of the Tsimsyan. 
He owns two totem poles in the village of Kispayaks. 
*The Grizzly-bear, used as a crest by some clans of the Fireweed phratry, is of a different kind, being generally 
described as the Grizzly-bear-of-the-sea, with a fin on his back. 
»Whose other name was Muq. 
*Who died, an old man, about 1923. 
