T
he totem poles of Alaska,
created by coastal First
Nations and indigenous
groups of the Pacific
Northwest, in particular the Tlingit,
Tsimshian and Haida communities,
are magnificent pieces of art that
conjure up memories of people and
events.
Usually standing between three
and 18 metres in height – although
some can surpass 20 metres – poles
were traditionally carved by men.
Today, however, both men and
women have become expert carvers
of totem poles, often honing their
skills after spending their childhood
years watching experts in action.
e word 'totem' can be traced
to the Algonquian word odoodem,
meaning "kinship group". Typically
This page: The
incredible carved
detail of a Tlingit
totem pole at
Saxman Totem
Park in Alaska
LEGEND
LORE
We delve into the history and meaning carved
into the majestic totem poles of Alaska
created out of red cedar wood,
most totem poles feature symbolic
animals or human forms, as well
as supernatural beings that chart
a family's lineage and history.
Common crests include the
thunderbird, wolf, grizzly bear,
raven, beaver, frog, salmon and
eagle, and important families
often have more than one crest. In
addition to family-related themes,
totem poles can also be created
to mark a special event or to
commemorate a particular ancestor
or legend. ey can also be used as
a point of welcome, or as a sign of
remembrance, and can be erected
to celebrate a family's success.
Embedded in the culture, the
ability to appreciate the meaning
carved into a specific totem
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