Native American Art Totem Poles By: Val Ilyukhina

History of Totem Poles The word "totem" is derived from the Algonkian word Dodem, originally meaning "to be related to someone" (i.e. someone who shares a family crest, or totem). Native American totem poles are an ancient tradition of the Indian tribes of the Pacific Northwest Coast--Washington state in the USA, British Columbia in Canada--and some of the Athabaskan tribes of southern Alaska.

Totem Pole Designs The designs on them are as varied as the tribes. The poles may depict familiar legends, clan lineages, notable events, illustrate stories, commemorate historic persons, represent shamanic powers, objects of public ridicule. Some figures serve as symbolic reminders of quarrels, murder, and/or debt.

Did You Know? Comparable to putting a newspaper full of notices on a place card in front of City Hall, the Shame Pole was used for public ridicule and was usually erected to shame individuals or groups for unpaid debts.

Did You Know? Vertical order of the images is believed to be a significant representation of importance...so important that "Low Man on the Totem Pole" has much less prestige and importance than the ones above. Having said that, there are poles where the more important images are at the bottom or in the middle.

Did You Know? A totem pole is carved by a chief carver and apprentices. The lower part of the totem pole is the part most often looked at. To make sure the totem looks professional and well-executed, the chief carver personally carves the bottom ten feet of the pole...the inexperience apprentices carve the higher part.

What do the symbols mean?

There are 5 different types of symbols: Animals Birds Fish Insects Miscellaneous Objects

WOLF- Intelligence & Leadership, Strong Sense of Family Animals WOLF- Intelligence & Leadership, Strong Sense of Family BEAR -Strength, Learned Humility, Motherhood, Teaching OTTER- Trusting, Inquisitive and Bright - Loyal Friendship BEAVER- Creative, Artistic and Determined SEAL- Bright, Inquisitive, Organized KILLER WHALE- Traveler & Guardian, Symbol of Good FROG- Spring & New Life - Communicator, Stability

DOVE- Love, Gentleness and Kindness Birds DOVE- Love, Gentleness and Kindness EAGLE- Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige HAWK- Strength Far Sighted RAVEN- Creation & Knowledge, Bringer of the Light HUMMINGBIRD- Love, Beauty, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger HERON- Patience, Graceful and Easy Going LOON- Peace, Tranquility, Generous Giving Nature THUNDERBIRD- Powerful & Mystical, A Leader KINGFISHER- Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility OWL- Wisdom

DOGFISH- Persistence and Strength, A Born Leader HALIBUT- Life protector, Strength and Stability SALMON- Dependability and Renewal - A Provider

BUMBLEBEE- Honesty, Pure Thinking - Willingness and Drive Insects BUMBLEBEE- Honesty, Pure Thinking - Willingness and Drive COPPER- Wealth and Prestige DRAGON FLY- Ever-changing Life

EAGLE FEATHER- Good Luck to Both Giver and Receiver Miscellaneous EAGLE FEATHER- Good Luck to Both Giver and Receiver MOON- Protector and Guardian of the Earth by Night SUN- Healing Energy, Guardian of the Earth by Day

Now It’s Your Turn! Today, we will be making our own Totem Poles, to tell the story of the tribe you are working with. Get with your group and decide on the story you want to tell Fill in your ideas on the graphic organizer Sketch out what you want your Totem Pole to look like Make the Totem Pole using art supplies

Resources and For Further Information Information for this presentation was found at Native American Totem Poles Totem Pole Symbols To find out more… Native American Totem Poles Native American Inventions Totem Pole Exploration Native American Legends Totem Poles Past and Present Wikipedia- Totem Pole