Totem poles, a Tlingit staple art piece, emphasize the importance of both oral and visual traditions among the Tlingit tribespeople. They used totem poles to commemorate deceased tribal leaders and other members, as exhibited by the oyster man totem pole. Engraved with multiple facial expressions of shock and terror, the oyster man totem pole illustrates the serious consequences of a young man having disobeyed the Tlingit tribe leaders. Not only does it remind us to listen to our elders, but it also commemorates this individual and his passing. 

Within the Tlingit clan, it is customary that the matrilineal side of the family — mothers and daughters — teach their nieces and nephews how to hunt, gather, and other essential survival skills. In this story, the uncles decided to break that tradition and teach their nephews how to gather octopus, clams, and other seafood animals and preserve them for years to come. When the uncles started teaching them how to do all of this, one of the youngsters decided to test out his knowledge right after; he then dug up a hole that he had seen in the ground, and it squirted back at him. Nevertheless, he continued digging and used his hand this time, something that his uncles told him not to do. As he was digging for food, a giant oyster clamped down on his hand, and he tried everything to pull his hand out but to no avail. After calling for help, members from the nearby Tlingit village finally arrived to help him but could only do so much since the tide was high. 

Shortly after, once the water had passed over his head, he passed away. Thus, the oyster man totem pole was commissioned to remember his story. The clan crests on the pole represent the Nexadi clan, a prominent Tlingit clan. The pole also depicts the young man squatting down with his hand in the mouth of the oyster. Right above that is the beaver head. There is another face above the beaver’s head, which the elders say is the face of the young man who passed away. Lastly, the rest of clan crests and clan emblems are all unique to him and the Tlingit clan that he came from. Currently, the oyster man totem pole continues to serve as a reminder to all Tlingit members to remain both acquiescent and faithful to their leaders.