Manataka American Indian Council
TOTEM POLES
OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST
The first
totems were carved from mature cedar trees and used in the Potlatch
ceremonies of families-clans of the Pacific Northwest, primarily
Alaska and British Columbia. They were carved to
represent the emblem of the family as a reminder of its history.
A totem is carved and placed at the
front entrance of the family longhouse to honor its ancestors,
the clan's standing, rights and accomplishments, to record a
memorable ceremony or record a spiritual experience. A totem
pole is a symbol of the qualities, experience and exploits of the
clan.
The totem
carvings tell a story, revealed only if one knows the meaning
assigned to various animals, fish, birds and designs and where they
are placed on the pole. There were a number of reasons why a
particular figure or design was chosen by a clan. The
connection between the clan and the various figures carved into the
pole may have been as a result a special gift from the animal, fish
or bird spirits. Or, there may have been a recent encounter
with that figure. Some clans claimed to be descended from
certain totem figures.
The meaning of many totem poles is lost with time. Even some of today's totem polescan not be understood except from one person - it's owner. Understanding the symbolism and stories hidden within the totem pole is more than a simple exercise in learning the attributed meanings of the figures. It is possible to know the meaning assigned a figure by the people of the Northwest, but it is not always possible to know its significance to the over-all story.
Totem figures are not Gods. Totems
are not worshiped like religious icons nor used as a
talisman. They were never used to ward off evil spirits and
claims of bizarre, magical "totemism" practices are fiction.
A totem pole may be compared to the symbolism portrayed in the
Great Seal of the United States or a Coat of Arms. These
national emblems are roughly equivalent to the meaning bound up in a
totem pole except they identified clans not an entire nation.
Totem poles
are carved today by both native and non-native people. They
have become a highly valued art form and a symbol of pride and
tradition for the people of the Pacific Northwest.
We invite
you to discover the wonderful stories and wisdom contained in totem
poles. To learn more about totem poles, visit excellent
internet resources:
Photos shown on this page courtesy of Everything Alaska.com
Visit Alaska - where great views and great people await!
SYMBOLS
OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Northwest
BEAVER | Creative, Artistic and Determined |
BEAR | Strength, Learned Humility, Motherhood, Teaching |
BUMBLEBEE | Honesty, Pure Thinking - Willingness and Drive |
COPPER | Wealth and Prestige |
DOGFISH | Persistence and Strength - A Born Leader |
DOVE | Love, Gentleness and Kindness |
DRAGON FLY | Ever-changing Life |
EAGLE | Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige |
EAGLE FEATHER | Good Luck to Both Giver and Receiver |
FROG | Spring & New Life - Communicator, Stability |
HALIBUT | Life protector, Strength and Stability |
HAWK | Strength Far Sighted |
HERON | Patience, Graceful and Easy Going |
HUMMINGBIRD | Love, Beauty, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger |
KILLER WHALE | Traveler & Guardian - Symbol of Good |
KINGFISHER | Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility |
LOON | Peace, Tranquility - Generous Giving Nature |
MOON | Protector and Guardian of the Earth by Night |
OTTER | Trusting, Inquisitive and Bright - Loyal Friendship |
OWL | Wisdom |
RAVEN | Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light |
SALMON | Dependability and Renewal - A Provider |
SEAL | Bright, Inquisitive, Organized |
SUN | Healing Energy, Guardian of the Earth by Day |
THUNDERBIRD | Powerful & Mystical - A Leader |
WOLF | Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family |
UNDERSTANDING
NORTHWEST COAST ART: A Guide to Crests,
Beings, and Symbols
by Cheryl Shearar
A gallery owner and specialist in Northwest Coast First Nations art provides a basic, alphabetically arranged list of words and explanations relating to Northwest Coast First Nations art, including representations of crests, beings, elements, customs, and symbols, and some of the major ceremonies and types of decorated objects. Includes some 65 b&w illustrations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.
Soft Cover, 192pp $ 32.50
Proceeds
from book purchases go to support the nonprofit, cultural, educational and
religious purposes of the Manataka American Indian Council. Thank you for
your support.
Notice: Occasionally books may be discontinued or out of stock without prior notice. With written permission, your order may be filled from the 'shelf'. Shelf books are new, but some may be slightly discolored or sale tags may be still attached. Fulfillment rate: 98.6%.
Manataka does not sell totem poles
TAKE A TOUR OF AMERICAN INDIAN SYMBOLS