J.CAC VOLUME 38 (2013)
The rate of change in the Totem Poles of Nans Sdins – 1982 to 2009
This paper summarizes field work undertaken at Nan Sdins World Heritage site on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia in the summer of 2009 to assess the changes that had taken place in totem poles since an earlier study by the authors in 1982. The progressive loss of carved image on the poles was assessed by comparing photographs over time. Digital images were modified using off-the-shelf software to remove backgrounds and match the size of the poles. Carved relief loss was estimated by counting pixels and comparing successive losses in images taken over several years. Two of the poles on the site are used as examples of this photographic technique to compare current condition with that predicted by the 1982 assessments of loss in cross-section and extent of interior rot. In a majority of cases this assessment of the interior condition of the poles correctly predicted either an increased loss of carved surface or pole surfaces that remained nearly unchanged. Overall the results clearly show that there is a decrease in the quality of preservation going from the north to the south of the site.
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