A LESSON ON TOTEM POLES

Megan ArdoviniApril 25, 2014

5 Major Questions to be answered:

1) What is the purpose of totem poles? 2) How are totem poles created? 3) What tribes are known to have

totem poles?4) What are the meanings of the

different symbols on a totem pole? 5) What are the meanings of the

different colors on totem poles?

Totem Poles: Purpose

• Totem Poles are found in the middle of some Native American communities to represent ancestry, history, people, and events important to the people who live there

• Totem poles serve as monuments for

the nations who create them

• Totem poles were not worshipped

Totem Poles: How are they created?

• Most are made from Western Red Cedar trees (easy to carve)

• Several trees are looked at before one is picked to be carved.

• Today both men and women are skilled totem pole carvers.

• Many totem pole carvers have been training since childhood learning from their parents.

Which Tribes are known to have totem poles?

• The First Nations of the Pacific Northwest are known for their creation of totem poles.

• Particularly Washington State, British Columbia, and the southern part of Alaska

Occasions Totem Poles Were Made

• To honor a dead elder• To show the success and

accomplishment of people in the community

• To thank a person who helped with an important ceremony

Haida Tribe Totem Poles

Tlingit Tribe Totem Poles

Makah Tribe Totem Poles

What things do you see that all of these totem poles have in common?

How are they different?

Animal Symbols of Totem Poles

Totem poles that represent people in the community are often animal

symbols each with their own meanings…

The Beaver

• Old

• Wise

• Creative

• Artistic

• Determined

The Hawk

• Strong

• Willing to help

anyone in their

time of need

• Good friend

• Cares for family

The Owl

• Smart

• Tries hard at whatever it

does

• Respected

• Looked to for advice

The Wolf

• Loyal to friends

and family

• Powerful

• A teacher

• Successful

• Doesn’t give up

The Bear

• A teacher and role

model

• Friendly

• Works well with

others

• Welcoming

The Raven

• A trickster

• Mischievous

• Curious

• Smart

Colors of totem poles

The colors used to paint totem poles also have certain purposes and

meanings…

White • Clean/Pure

• Peace

• Used mostly for backgrounds

Red• Blood

• War

• Draw attention to something

important

Blue• Water

• Sadness

• Skies

Yellow• Sun

• Light

• Happiness

Green• Earth

• Hills

• Trees

• Nature

Black• Primarily stood for power

• Darkness

Do any of the animal symbols have characteristics that you also have?

If so which ones and what things do you have in common?