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  

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SYMBOLS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Northwest