1. Totem Poles 2 nd Grade

2. What are totem poles? Totem poles are monumental structures usually carved from great trees, like Western Red Cedars. Totem poles are similar to what we would think of as a family tree. They tell a story about a tribe, family or individual. Totem poles were never an objects of worship.

3. Where were totem poles first built? Totem poles are an ancient tradition for tribes along the Pacific Northwest Coast - Washington state - British Columbia in Canada - and some of the Athabaskan tribes of southern Alaska

4. How is a totem pole constructed? A totem pole is usually carved by a chief carver and some apprentices.

5. What’s on a totem pole? Human Figures Spirits Animals Birds Insects Water creatures Celestial figures

6. Interesting facts. There are totem poles called Shame poles. These were used for public ridicule and were usually made to shame individuals or groups for unpaid debts. 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).

7. What the figures mean Thunderbird: Spiritual attributes include power and mystery. The Thunderbird is a leader. Beaver: Their upturned tails are a symbol of wealth. The beaver is a creative, artistic and determined. Bear: Spiritual attributes include ferocity, strength, humility, motherhood, teaching. Wolf: Spiritual attributes include intelligence and leadership. Owl: Spiritual attributes include wisdom, ability to see beyond normal view. Siskiutl - Two-Headed Sea Serpent: The sea serpent is an enemy of the Thunderbird. Is feared because it can pull war canoes into the site of a battle and can turn enemy warriors into stone with a single glance. Butterfly: Spiritual attributes include transformation and acceptance of change. Human Image: usually a family member or a loved one. Dragon Fly: Spiritual attributes include ever-changing life.

8. Resources http://www.support-native-american- art.com/Native-American-Totem-Poles.html http://www.support-native-american- art.com/Native-American-Totem-Poles.html http://www.crystalinks.com/totempoles.html http://users.imag.net/~sry.jkramer/nativetotems/ basics.htm http://users.imag.net/~sry.jkramer/nativetotems/ basics.htm http://visual-arts- education.suite101.com/article.cfm/totem_poles http://www.papertotempoles.com/