Why did the Northwest Coast Indians use totem poles?
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.
What is the order of importance on a totem pole?
The figures on a totem pole are arranged from top to bottom, but the sequence of the figures is not an indication of their importance. The concept of “low man on the totem pole” is not an expression of Northwest Coast culture as position on the pole is not an indication of rank.
How do you read a totem pole?
Totem poles are read from top to bottom. The principal character, clan, orphratry symbol was placed on top. Following this are the characters and objects which recall the legend and at the base of the pole is carved the wife’s clan symbol.
What do animals on a totem pole mean?
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.
Who is the most important person on a 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].
Is it better to be at the bottom of the totem pole?
Animal images on totem poles depict creatures from family crests. In fact, depictions of people are not usually found at the top of a totem pole and in some cases, the most important figure or crest is at the bottom.
Is it better to be on the top or bottom of a totem pole?
…the bottom of all totem pole is sometimes the best carved part of the whole pole. Meaning wise, the low man has a much or more meaning than other figures. So while the general meaning seems to be that higher is better, traditionally for totem poles – as is explained by NCIS – lower is better.
Is the bottom of the totem pole good?
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.
How do I find out my spirit animal?
A few techniques for discovering your spirit animal:
- Learn about the animal connections in your own lineage.
- Pay attention to your dreams.
- Think about your past connections to certain animals.
- Journal about the animals that you feel drawn to.
- Take a quiz.
Why are totem poles important to the northwest coast?
Today, Native people throughout the Northwest Coast are carrying on their traditions by raising new poles to honor deceased relatives and celebrate family histories and important events in their lives. 1929 Totem Poles of the Gitksan.
What is a totem?
In fact, the use of the term “totem” to refer to the Northwest Coast images of family crests or emblems is not strictly accurate.
Who are the northwest coast carvers?
Carvers such as Ellen Neel and Mungo Martin worked to educate the public about the art form of totem poles by carving high quality model poles for sale, and replicas of old poles for museums. In recent years, Northwest Coast carvers have been commissioned to carve full-sized poles for many museums, corporations, and private collectors, world-wide.
What are the best books about the totem poles of Alaska?
1982 The Totem Carvers: Charlie James, Ellen Neel and Mungo Martin. Vancouver: Panorama Publications. 1885 Alaska: Its Southern Coast and the Sitkan Archipelago. Boston: D. Lothrop Company. 1975 The Totem Poles of Skedans. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1984 Cedar: Tree of Life to the Northwest Coast Indians.