Totem Poles

6 Types of Totem Poles 1. Story-telling poles - Without written language, Native Americans used symbols engraved into totem poles to preserve stories and legends that were passed down orally from one generation to the next. 2. Memorial poles - Served to highlight the life of an important tribal member.

6 Types of Totem Poles 3. House poles and family lineage poles - Told of a tribal clans ancestry and lineage. House poles also helped to support the actual structure of the house. 4. Shame poles - made to serve as a reminder to both groups and individuals that exhibited objectionable behavior. Poor leadership, tribal quarrels, unpaid debts, murders and any unfulfilled obligations were all reasons to erect a shame pole.

6 Types of Totem Poles 5. Commemorative poles - These totem poles were usually the largest and were created in celebration of a specific occasion. 6. Mortuary poles and grave marker poles - Some totem poles were hollowed out in the back to serve as a holder for a deceased tribal member's ashes while some were used as grave markers in later years.

Facts about Aboriginal Totem Poles Native American Indian totem poles are sculptures carved on poles made from huge trees. These sculptures were made by Indian tribes of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. The name of this art form "totem pole" is derived from the Algonquian word odoodem meaning "his kinship group".

Facts about Aboriginal Totem Poles The figures carved on totem poles often depict characters from tribal legends. Animals are often carved on the poles. The carvings on totem poles often have symbolic meaning which can be complex.

Facts about Aboriginal Totem Poles The first European explorers to the Pacific Northwest of North America observed totem poles and it is likely this art form has a long history dating back hundreds of years. An authentic American Indian totem pole can easily cost over $8,000 U.S. dollars.

Facts about Aboriginal Totem Poles Making a totem pole is an extremely labor intensive process. The huge poles were entirely carved by hand. The paint was then handmade and applied. Totem poles did not serve a religious purpose to Native Americans, as many objects did. Instead, they were meant to commemorate special occasions or portray a shameful act or a death.

Facts about Aboriginal Totem Poles Considering the extensive amount of work that went into making a totem pole, they were regarded as a sign of wealth and power. They were often found outside the home of tribal chiefs.

A Kwakiutl Legend – The First Totem Pole http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/The- First-Totem-Pole-Kwakiutl.html http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/edu/ViewLoitLo.do?met hod=preview&lang=EN&id=9652

Videos of Totem Poles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHmdDzMc_fA