Totem Poles

Many groups of Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest are known for their totem poles. The word "totem" comes from an Algonquin word meaning "family group." Totem poles are not religious objects but give important information about a clan, culture, legend, event, or have some other special function. They vary according to the culture of the different groups.

The number of totem poles prior to the 1800's were likely more limited. Once the carvers obtained better carving tools through trade, they became easier to produce. Later on, there was a decline in carving totem poles, as members adopted more of the white culture around them. However, in more recent times, there's been renewed interest from tourist, historians, and collectors, and the art has revived.  

The poles are usually carved from a tree that doesn't rot quickly, like the giant cedar or western red cedar. The tree is cut down and taken to the carving site, where the bark and sapwood are stripped off. The back of the log is removed, and it's hollowed out to make it lighter and prevent the carved side from cracking. The pole is carved and then painted. It's usually raised in the traditional way by a large group of strong men and some scaffolding or supports. It's set vertically in a dugout trench and then filled in with dirt and rocks to hold it steady. A celebration usually follows.

Totem poles are interesting and a part of history. Seeing them standing majestically makes it easy to appreciate them as an art form. I'm glad that, for now, the art lives on.

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