A totem pole or monumental pole is a tall structure created by Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples that showcases a nation’s, family’s or individual’s history and displays their rights to certain territories, songs, dances and other aspects of their culture . Totem poles can also be used as memorials and to tell stories.
What is the most important part of the totem pole?
But traditionally, the bottom figure on a totem pole is the most important one. The head carver is in charge of this portion of the totem (the bottom 10 feet) since it is most visible and more detailed than the higher regions [source: Totem Poles: An Exploration].
What is the purpose of the totem pole?
Totem poles are monuments created by First Nations of the Pacific Northwest to represent and commemorate ancestry, histories, people, or events . Totem poles are typically created out of red cedar, a malleable wood relatively abundant in the Pacific Northwest, and would be erected to be visible within a community.
Is a totem pole a religious symbol?
Totem poles are pieces of wood, usually cedar, carved with a person’s totems. ... Totem poles are not religious symbols , rather they convey a family’s or a tribe’s history.
What is the spiritual meaning of a totem pole?
A totem pole depicts emblems of animals and mythological creatures that are believed to have spiritual significance and who watch over the families, clans, or tribes who adhere to the belief of Totemism .
What do totems represent?
In its most specific sense, totem refers to an emblematic depiction of an animal or plant that gives a family or clan its name and that often serves as a reminder of its ancestry. The term is also used broadly for any person or thing having particular emblematic or symbolic importance.
What animals represent on a totem pole?
Common figures found on totem poles include the raven (a symbol of The Creator), the eagle (representing peace and friendship), the killer whale (a symbol of strength), the thunderbird, the beaver, the bear, the wolf and the frog.
Is it better to be higher or lower on a totem pole?
According to Canadian naturalist, Pat Kramer—an expert on First Nations culture—the lowest figures on the totem pole are often considered the most prestigious. ... The higher up the figure is on a totem pole , the more representational they are.
Is being low on the totem pole good?
A “low man on the totem pole” is a person of no status or power, someone at the bottom of a hierarchy. ... According to Canadian naturalist Pat Kramer, an expert on First Nations culture, the lowest figures on the totem pole are often considered the most prestigious .
Is it OK to say low on the totem pole?
Low in rank, least important person, as in I just joined the board so I’m low man on the totem pole . This slangy expression is thought to have been invented by the American comedian Fred Allen about 1940 and caught on despite its lack of application to a genuine totem pole.
How does a totem pole tell a story?
Totem poles are a traditional way of telling the stories of First Nation families and clans, and of keeping records of important historical events. ... The stories that totem poles tell may be a myth, a legend, or honour Indigenous peoples through symbols. The crests on a totem pole belong to a family and tell its story .
How many animals are usually on a totem pole?
Native American tradition provides that each individual is associated with nine different animals that will complement each person through life, acting as guides.
What are some examples of totems?
A totem could be a grizzly bear, oak tree, catfish , or just about any other living thing. Like a flag, a totem means a lot to the people it represents. special design or visual object representing a quality, type, group, etc.
What are spirit animal totems?
An animal totem is a symbolic representation of your animal guide . It can be represented in the form of a totem pole, talisman, emblem, crest, statue, or jewelry. ... Though people may identify with different animal guides throughout their lifetimes, it is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit.
How are totems chosen?
A totem is a natural object, plant or animal that is inherited by members of a Clan or family as their spiritual emblem. ... Totems are decided by an Elder or family member and are usually given at a young age or when a child goes through their Coming of Age Ceremony.
What happens if u eat your totem?
In regard to eating, killing, or destroying them, the clan totems are regarded as if they were human members of the group . Moreover, it is believed that an offense against the totems through a breach of taboo will produce a corresponding decrease in the size of the clan.
