The Story Of Totem Carvings

Totem poles are monumental sculptures carved from trees, typically Western Redcedar, by a number of Native American cultures along the Pacific northwest coast of North America.Basically, before contact, Natives in this part of the world had a different kinship system than we do today. A totem pole served as the emblem of a family or clan, its unity, the rights to which people in each clan were entitled, and as a reminder of each clans link to a spirit-ancestor. Totem poles hold messages by those that carved them. Carvings were symbols that may tell a story of the carver, such as his part not just in his own family but his standing within a tribe. Carvings such as an eagle could mean pride in his tribe.The raising of a totem pole
is a big celebration among the Indian tribe. A hole is dug to stand the pole in.

The pole is carried to the site in a ceremony which often hundreds attend. Ropes will be used to raise the pole into place. Singing and dancing to drums accompanies the pole raising. Often poles are raised this way before the carving begins.

Many have believed that totem poles are religious symbols but this is false. Carvings will represent the tribal nation and will convey the tribes’ history. Many times the story of a totem pole will be passed down from time to generation. Having the story documented will help keep this tradition recognized n our history.