The culture of the Native Americans of North America is shrouded in a mist of mystery and awe-inspiring beauty. One of the most prominent expressions of this culture are totem poles, carved monuments that tell the stories of the tribes of this region. From British Columbia to the Alaskan tundra, these totem poles continue to captivate people of all cultures, both past and present.
1. Unraveling the Mysteries of Totem Poles
Totem poles may be recognizable from across the world, but their context often remains a mystery. What do they mean? How are they made? Why do people do it? These questions and more are explored here, bringing to light the history and culture behind totem poles.
The Origin of Totem Poles
Totem poles can be traced back to indigenous Pacific Northwest communities in present-day Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington State. Though the designs are thought to be centuries old, the totem pole didn’t gain popularity until the late 18th century. The idea of totem poles spread from the Haida people to the Tlingit, Tsimshian, Nisga’a, and Kwakwaka’wakw.
The Designs
The intricate designs found on totem poles have their own form of communication. Every part of these designs serves a spiritual purpose. There is no true scripture for these symbols, so many carvers have turned to legends and sharing stories to create beautiful designs.
- Animal figures: These typically represent family crests, clan lineages, or spiritual guardians.
- Human figures: An elder or leader can be depicted, as well as a watchman.
- Objects: From hats to cooking utensils, these symbols are used to convey a message.
- Color: Specific colors may hint at the culture and society in question.
The Construction
Building a totem pole is no easy feat. You must have the proper materials and tools to construct one. The wood used for totem poles is typically western red cedar, a type of tree found in the Pacific Northwest. Carvers shape their poles with axes, chisels, and grapnels. They also use stones and driftwood to create a variety of textures.
The Location
Totem poles were primarily found near the entrances of longhouses. They often served as sentinels to represent an entire group of people. To this day, the Marpole peoples of Canada still raise totem poles to commemorate people and special occasions.
Totem poles stand today as an incredible source of culture and social identity. These ancient monuments show how far these ancient communities have come, and bring into focus their ongoing influence in the 21st century.
2. Exploring the Symbols of Native American Cultures
The striking visual symbols used by the cultures of Native America have been around for centuries. But to call them symbols carries a fundamental misunderstanding of their true cultural significance; rather than mere signs alluding to something else, the shapes and colors of Native American culture were and are fundamental elements of these people’s deepest beliefs.
For example, the circle is a widely recurring shape throughout Native American culture. To some tribes, this shape is said to represent the continuous nature of existence, with no beginning or end. But to other Native cultures, the circle has an entirely different meaning: the four cardinal points that mark the horizon. To that tribe, the circle takes on connotations of directional guidance.
Symbolism of Colors
In Native American culture, colors too have profound symbolic resonance. Red typically symbolizes life and fertility, white strong spirit and good health, yellow warm understanding, and black unfathomable mystery. Blue traditionally stands for truth and clarity.
These colors hold special spiritual significance in Native American culture, and because of that, they are often used as part of intricate weavings and adornments created by numerous artists from those cultures.
Ideogram
Another core element of Native American symbolism is the ideogram, an iconic representation of a concept or thing. To Native Americans, that symbol ‒ created out of two or three intersecting lines and usually of colorful feathers ‒ holds the same meaning as words in other languages. Examples of ideograms related to the spirituality of Native Americans include:
- The Mace, which symbolizes strength and courage
- The Feather, which symbolizes the intangible connection between the Eagle and the Great Spirit
- The Infinity Symbol, which stands for unity and kinship
- The Bear Paw, which represents the physical and spiritual balance in the universe
These symbols draw on the ancestral stories of those tribes and give those symbols greater meaning when they are combined in art and design.
3. From Creation to Carving: An Artform’s Evolution
Whether they’re depicted in a museum, bought from a store, or found in the wild, wood carvings have been around for centuries. It is an art form that has manifested itself in different cultures throughout the world.
Originally, something simple like an animal or a weapon were carved from wood for utilitarian purposes. It was not until intricate designs were created on wood that it was considered an art form. As the woodcarving techniques evolved, so did the tools. Early wooden tools were used to carve shapes in wood, while metal and bronze were later introduced, opening up a new range of detail and precision.
Originally, carvings were ornamental and mainly served ceremonial or ritualistic purposes, like a totem pole. Later, this art form grew to become an important part of daily life. For instance, furniture, utensils, and other decorative items were carved out of wood. The level of intricacy of the carvings gave a hint as to the status of the creator.
As woodcarving grew in popularity over time, different styles of carving were developed. These still appear today, from the traditional Scandinavian Deep Relief, to the bas reliefs of the ancient Egyptians. From people, to creatures, to abstract art, the range of work that can be done with woodcarving is wide and varied.
Today, woodcarving is part of a vast range of DIY movements, craft communities, and of course, the professional world of fine art. Wood has been a powerful and versatile medium for expressing one’s creativity for centuries, and it appears that it will continue to be so.
4. Celebrating Totem Poles’ Visual Messages of History
For millennia, many Indigenous cultures around the world have used totem poles to pass down stories, record history and connect to powerful, spiritual forces. These carved, upright logs often depicted animals, people, and symbols representing different family clans and their relationships to each other.
Totem poles are venerated for the beauty of their intricate designs and artistry in woodcarving. Yet they are more than just charming monuments; they commemorate significant events like births, deaths, and other ancestral moments. They also serve as a powerful reminder of communal values and collective identity.
Totem Pole Crafting and Dedication Rituals
In many Indigenous communities, totem poles are crafted in a particular order. The bottom of the logs are carved first, then brought to a dedicated ceremony where more symbols and markings are added. The log is then ceremonially raised, blessing the pole and in some cases, celebrating the new life it brings to the community. Traditionally, totem poles are meant to stand as a unified symbol of ancestry and common history.
Today, carving and erecting a totem pole is a powerful ritual in many Native tribes. Each totem pole reflects its creation story, and provides a bridge between culture and tradition through its visual messaging.
The construction of a totem pole is an opportunity to pass down a community’s precious history and strong connections to ancient beliefs and practices. There are intricate details and symbols in every totem pole that, in many ways, represent a story of the past.
- Totem poles tell stories of ancestral and community values
- Their construction is accompanied by a dedicating ritual celebration
- Totem poles are a bridge between culture and tradition
The impact of totem poles lasts until today; they have become iconic symbols of Indigenous culture. Every totem pole should be honored, celebrated, and appreciated, as they are an integral part of human history and carry an immense amount of knowledge.
The totem pole stands tall, with its years of stories and messages that will forever outlast the carvings and symbols which make them one of the most memorable symbols of Native American culture. It is a reminder of the stories and histories of a people who have since been forgotten but are now being remembered and celebrated, leaving behind an everlasting legacy.
