Meaning and purpose Totem pole

from left right, one-legged fisherman pole, raven pole, , killer whale pole in wrangell, alaska

totem poles can symbolize characters , events in mythology, or convey experiences of recent ancestors , living people. of these characters may appear stylistic representations of objects in nature, while others more realistically carved. pole carvings may include animals, fish, plants, insects, , humans, or may represent supernatural beings such thunderbird. symbolize beings can transform form, appearing combinations of animals or part-animal/part-human forms. consistent use of specific character on time, slight variations in carving style, helped develop similarities among these shared symbols allowed people recognize 1 another. example, raven symbolized long, straight beak, while eagle s beak curved, , beaver depicted 2 large front teeth, piece of wood held in front paws, , paddle-shaped tail.

totem pole in vancouver, british columbia



totem poles @ museum of anthropology @ university of british columbia

the meanings of designs on totem poles varied cultures make them. poles celebrate cultural beliefs may recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events, while others artistic. animals , other characters carved on pole typically used symbols represent characters or events in story; however, may reference moiety of pole’s owner, or fill empty space on pole. carved figures interlock, 1 above other, create overall design, may rise height of sixty feet or more. smaller carvings may positioned in vacant spaces, or may tucked inside ears or hang out of mouths of pole’s larger figures.

some of figures on poles constitute symbolic reminders of quarrels, murders, debts, , other unpleasant occurrences native americans prefer remain silent... known tales, of exploits of raven , of kats married bear woman, familiar every native of area. carvings symbolize these tales sufficiently conventionalized readily recognizable persons lineage did not recount them own legendary history.

those cultures not carve totem poles assume linear representation of figures places importance on highest figure, idea became pervasive in dominant culture after entered mainstream parlance 1930s phrase low man on totem pole (and title of bestselling 1941 humor book h. allen smith). however, native sources either reject linear component altogether, or reverse hierarchy, important representations on bottom, bearing weight of other figures, or @ eye level viewer heighten significance. many poles have no vertical arrangement @ all, consisting of lone figure atop undecorated column.