Totem pole

Totem RMBC 1

'Ksan Historical Village 2010

Houses And Totem Poles Of Alaskan Indians — Official Views Of The World's Columbian Exposition — 89

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Alert Bay Totems

Wrangell totem poles

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Totem poles are monumental sculptures carved from large trees, most commonly red cedar, by a number of Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. These sculptures feature a variety of figures, animals, and symbols significant to the cultures that create them, serving as important cultural symbols and a form of historical record. Totem poles are traditionally created by First Nations communities in the Pacific Northwest, including parts of modern-day Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington state.

History and Significance

The tradition of totem pole carving dates back centuries, with the oldest surviving poles estimated to be 300 to 500 years old. These poles are deeply rooted in the spiritual and social lives of the communities that create them, serving multiple purposes such as commemorating ancestral lineage, marking important events, or embodying clan symbols and stories. Despite common misconceptions, totem poles are not objects of worship but are instead revered as storied representations of familial or communal heritage.

Types of Totem Poles

There are several types of totem poles, each serving a distinct purpose within the community:

• House Posts are integral parts of a house's structure, often carved with figures that represent the family's lineage or protective spirits.
• Welcome Figures are placed at the entrance of a village or home, greeting visitors with open arms.
• Memorial Poles are erected in honor of a deceased individual, telling their story or the lineage of their family.
• Mortuary Poles contain the remains of the deceased within a compartment at the top of the pole.
• Potlatch Poles are raised during a potlatch, a ceremonial event involving gift-giving and feasting, to commemorate the event or the person being honored.

Creation Process

The creation of a totem pole is a sacred process that begins with the selection of a tree, traditionally a red cedar for its durability and workability. The tree is then carefully felled and transported to the carving site, where the artist, often a respected member of the community or a lineage of carvers, begins the meticulous process of shaping and detailing the pole. This work is done with a combination of traditional tools, such as adzes, chisels, and knives. The completion of a totem pole is usually marked by a ceremonial raising, which involves the community coming together to erect the pole in its intended location.

Contemporary Significance

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the production of totem poles declined due to the suppression of Indigenous cultures by colonial governments. However, there has been a resurgence in the practice since the mid-20th century, with new poles being carved and old ones being restored or replicated. Today, totem poles continue to be an important symbol of cultural identity and resilience for Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples. They are also recognized globally as significant works of art and craftsmanship, with examples displayed in museums and public spaces around the world.

Preservation and Repatriation

Efforts to preserve totem poles have increased in recent years, with both Indigenous communities and institutions working to protect these cultural artifacts from decay and vandalism. Additionally, there has been a movement towards the repatriation of totem poles that were removed from their original locations, allowing them to be returned to their rightful communities and contexts.