Arts & Entertainment
Controversial totem pole finds home at Seattle museum


A Salish totem pole that was rejected by the Port of Olympia has finally found a home at a Seattle museum.

Douglas Tobin, a member of the Squaxin Island Tribe, and others carved the pole. But Tobin's criminal record -- he served time for participating in a hired murder and he was recently convicted of stealing tribal fishery resources -- forced the Port to reject it.

Collector Charles Pancerzewski paid $30,352 for the pole, which cost $60,000 to make. He gave it to the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington, where it will be put on display.

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Salish welcome pole carved by criminal going to Seattle museum (AP 7/6)