Local speculation regarding the appearance of a totem pole on a popular coastal path in south-east England has sparked interest and intrigue among residents. The 8ft wooden monolith, located on the North Downs Way in Kent between Folkestone and Dover, bears the inscription “Perkūnas,” referencing the Baltic god of thunder. Kent Wildlife Trust is seeking retrospective planning permission from Dover district council to preserve the artwork in the Capel-Le-Ferne nature reserve. The artist responsible for the totem pole remains unidentified, despite efforts to find them.
Dr. Francis Young, an Oxford University historian and folklorist specializing in the history of religion and belief, suggests that the totem pole may have a Lithuanian connection. Young explains that “Perkūnas” is a well-known Baltic god, similar to the Slavic god Perun and the Norse god Thor. However, there are limited surviving illustrations of original pagan totems, making it challenging to pinpoint their exact appearance. The mystery sculpture seems to align with descriptions provided by Christian missionaries in Lithuania during the 15th and 16th centuries. These accounts and research into comparative east European mythologies reveal that totems were often carved from living or recently deceased trees.
Jerzy Sikora, a medieval archaeologist at the University of Łódź, suggests that the Kent totem resembles the Wolin Svetovit, a wooden carving of Svetovit, a Slavic god of abundance and war, discovered in Poland in 1974. Young agrees that this could be a plausible inspiration for the Kent sculpture, given the lack of other source material. He notes, however, that the placement of the totem in an open coastal area is unusual, as traditional totems were typically found in forest groves.
Ian Rickards, area manager for Kent Wildlife Trust, speculates that the totem may have been erected to protect the recently reintroduced red-billed choughs. These birds were absent from the wild in Kent for over 200 years due to habitat loss and historical persecution. Rickards suggests that the totem could be an invocation of Perkūnas, seeking protection for the birds during adverse weather conditions. The artwork has garnered admiration from passersby due to its intricate design, featuring wave-like patterns and a totem head with a metal cap.
Patrick Knill, a support worker from Folkestone, expresses his impression of the sculpture, likening it to a prop from a dark metal band rather than an authentic Lithuanian artifact. Knill acknowledges the artwork’s aesthetic appeal but believes it lacks the folkloric charm often associated with Lithuanian sculptures. He also mentions the town’s familiarity with art objects scattered throughout its landscape and playfully wonders if the totem pole is a pitch for the upcoming triennial event.
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