Tlingit

taku

Tlingit-map

Hoonah

Tlingit totem pole

Two Tlingit girls, Tsacotna and Natsanitna, wearing noserings, near Copper River, Alaska, 1903 - NARA - 524404

Box drum kóok gaaw NMNH

Tlingit are an Indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. Their name for themselves is Lingít, meaning "People of the Tides". The Russian name Колоши (Koloshi) from Alutiiq Kolosxiq also refers to the Tlingit, with this name historically used in the Russian-American period.

History

The Tlingit are known for their complex society and rich culture, which include intricate art, totem poles, ceremonial and spiritual practices, and a deep connection to the land and sea. Their traditional territory spans the coastal regions of southeastern Alaska, along with parts of British Columbia and the Yukon in Canada.

Pre-contact Period

Before European contact, the Tlingit established a substantial trade network, exchanging goods such as furs, copper, and jade with neighboring tribes. Their society was divided into two main social classes: the elite or nobility and the commoners, with slavery being a part of their social system.

Contact with Europeans

The first recorded contact between the Tlingit and Europeans occurred in the late 18th century, with the arrival of Russian explorers. The Tlingit initially resisted Russian efforts to colonize their lands, leading to several conflicts. However, by the early 19th century, the Russians established a presence in the region, impacting the Tlingit through the spread of diseases, trade, and the imposition of the fur trade.

Culture

Tlingit culture is deeply rooted in their connection to the land and sea, which is reflected in their mythology, art, and social organization. They are renowned for their woodworking, weaving, and carving skills, particularly in the creation of totem poles, which serve as expressions of family lineage and stories.

Language

The Tlingit language is a branch of the Na-Dené language family, with several dialects spoken among the different Tlingit communities. Efforts are ongoing to revitalize the language, which is considered endangered.

Social Structure

Tlingit society is matrilineal, meaning that lineage is traced through the mother's line. Clans are the primary social units, each associated with specific animals, spirits, or natural elements, which serve as their crests. These crests are depicted in various forms of art and are central to Tlingit identity.

Contemporary Issues

Today, the Tlingit continue to face challenges related to the preservation of their land, rights, culture, and language. They are actively involved in efforts to protect their traditional territories from environmental degradation and to promote the revitalization of their language and cultural practices.