Totem Poles

Purpose and Reason for Totem Poles
Totem poles were made to fill a variety of needs, but their primary purposes were to commemorate people or special events. The first totem poles were carved as part of an elaborate Potlatch ceremony which was a great, expensive feast with deep meaning. Totem poles were later created for other reasons. The Principal purposes and reasons for Totem Poles were:

• Potlatch Pole - to symbolize the generosity of the person who sponsored the Potlatch ceremony
• Legend Pole - To record a supernatural encounter
• Memorial Pole - To commemorate the life of an important person
• Burial Pole - totem poles were used as grave markers, grave posts  or mortuary totem poles
• Heraldic Pole - Recording the history of clans or families
• Portal or Entryway pole - through which a person enters the house, identifying the owner and family of the house
• Ridicule pole, also called shame pole  - symbolic reminders of debts, quarrels, murders, and other objectionable occurrences
• Indoor House Pole - supported the roof and bore emblems of the clan
• Welcoming Pole - situated on waterfronts and identifying ownership of the water and surrounding area

Totem Poles - A Sign of Affluence
Totem poles a sign of affluence, a display of wealth. They were expensive and time consuming to construct requiring significant manpower in their construction and erection, which is why they are generally found near the houses of Native American chiefs. A totem pole in front of a Native Indian's home would show the ancestry and the social rank of the family. They validated the powerful rights and privileges that the family held. 

Locations of Totem Poles
The locations of totem poles vary. Some stand in front of the houses, or very near them; others posts are set near the waterfront or beach, beyond the village. For additional, interesting info refer to How to make a Totem Pole.

Symbols on Totem Poles
Totem Poles are created using Pictography, or writing with pictures and symbols. Totem poles have unique features and colors depending upon the clan or tribe. Their interpretation requires knowledge of the customs, traditions and history of the clan or family. Every color used on the Poles have meanings as do the figures carved on the Totem Poles. The Symbols for every animal or spirit carved on the pole also have meaning and when combined on the pole, in sequence, constitute a story, legend or myth.

Thunderbird Totem Pole

Meaning of Totem Poles - Carvings and Symbols
The meaning of Totem Poles can be interpreted from the carvings and symbols that tell a story.

• Every animal depicted on a Pole had a special meaning, characteristics and significance - refer to Animal Totems
• Every color had a special meaning and significance
• Every tribe and clan or family had a special animal totem and their poles were associated with specific colors
• The position of figures on the pole were significant
• Directional colors - Some colors symbolized the four cardinal points

The Decay of Totem Poles
As totem poles become old they decay and become weather-beaten and gray in color. Groups of old poles are sometimes compared to a forest of tree trunks left after a fire has swept through a wooded district.

Pictures of House Totem Poles of Northwest Indians

Creating Totem Poles - How long did it take?
The length of time taken to carve and paint the poles clearly depended on the size of the pole and the intricacy of the carving. Generally totem poles could take between 3 and 9 months to complete and required the skills of the experienced carver and his helpers.

Northwest Indian Totem Poles

• Native American Northwest Indian Poles and Posts
• Materials used to create Totem Poles
• History of the Northwest Indian Totem Poles and their purpose
• Words and terminology associated with Northwest Indian Totem Poles
• Examples of the Totem Pole
• Native American Northwest Indian art and culture

Pictures and Videos of Native Americans
Discover the vast selection of pictures which relate to the History of Native Americans and illustrate many decorations and tattoos used by American Indians. The pictures show the clothing, tattoos, war paint, weapons and decorations of various Native Indian tribes that can be used as a really useful educational history resource for kids and children of all ages and a means to study their interpretation. We have included pictures to accompany the main topic of this section - Native American Culture. The videos enable fast access to the images, paintings and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles can be accessed via the Native Indian Tribes Index.