Totem Poles

Totem Poles Overview

• Totem poles served as powerful symbols of identity, culture, and lineage for many Northwest Coast tribes.
• They often conveyed important stories, legends, and clan histories, functioning as a visual representation of a tribe’s heritage.

Common Carvings

• Frequently depicted figures include animals, mythological beings, and ancestors, which resonate with tribal beliefs and values.
• Common animal carvings include eagles, bears, wolves, and salmon, each representing different traits or totemic significance.
• Other carvings might include symbolic imagery, such as thunderbirds or crest figures, which denote clan affiliations and social status.

Geographic Significance

• The Northwest Coast of North America, particularly areas like British Columbia and Alaska, is renowned for the tradition of totem pole carving.
• This region’s abundant natural resources, particularly cedar trees, provided material for crafting detailed and colorful totem poles.

Tribal Associations

• Notable tribes that created and utilized totem poles include the Haida, Tlingit, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Coast Salish.
• Each tribe has its unique style and tradition regarding the creation and meaning of their totem poles, reflecting their distinct cultural narratives.

Test your knowledge of Northwest Coast art and culture with this quiz on totem poles. Learn about the significance of totem poles in displaying family history and honoring important figures, as well as the carvings of animals and supernatural creatures often found on these iconic structures.