The Whale House of the Chilkat

The Whale House of the Chilkat, written by George Thornton Emmons in the early 20th century, is an anthropological study of the Whale House, a significant structure among the Tlingit people of Southeastern Alaska. Drawing on over twenty-five years of experience with the Tlingit, Emmons details the architectural features, decorative carvings, and cultural importance of the Whale House, while documenting the decline of communal life due to colonization and modernization. This work serves as a vital preservation of Tlingit heritage, emphasizing the stories and traditions at risk of being forgotten.