How to make a Totem Pole |
| |
How to make a Totem Pole Stage 1 |
Planning |
A meeting with the artist, carvers and helpers to plan the style and design of the Totem Pole and the symbols to be used and created. The size and dimensions of the Totem Pole would also be established.
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 2 | Creating a model | The artist would create a small model reflecting the design of the totem pole and the position of the carvings and symbols required
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 3 | Locating the tree | The tree was the main material required. A red cedar tree of the correct height and size would be sourced in the forest. The tree trunk also needed to be straight with a minimum amount of knots or imperfections.
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 4 | Cutting down the cedar tree | The cedar tree would be cut down, branches removed, and the helpers would carry the log to the house of the artist where the Totem Pole would be made. Sometimes high strong branches were left intact to play a part in the design, such as for the beaks of images.
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 5 | Positioning the tree | The tree would be laid on its side as the totem pole would carved lying down where the carver could easily reach all parts of the log.
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 6 | Preparing the Tree | The outer layer of bark would be stripped from the tree and the tree trunk would be smoothed by the helpers and carvers, taking instructions from the artist.
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 7 | Sections Marked | The Totem Pole was designed and carved in 3 sections - the bottom, middle and top sections would each be marked. The bottom section required the most attention and importance as this would be closely viewed by observers.
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 8 | Creating an outline of the design
| Each design element would be etched on to the wood by the artist ensuring the correct placing and proportions of each of the elements
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 9 | Creating an outline of the design
| Each design element would be etched on to the wood by the artist ensuring the correct placing and proportions of each of the elements
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 10 | First Cuts | The first rough cuts were chopped into the tree trunk and notches made indicating the design elements of the totem pole
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 11 | Bottom Section Carved | The bottom section is carefully carved with its symbols and figures and flattened where necessary. The artist would pay close attention to the grain and the coloration of the wood to capture the sense of life and movement in the carving.
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 12 | Middle Section | The artist would often delegate some of the middle section carvings to an apprentice.
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 13 | Top Section | The planning of the top section might include the inclusion of elements such as wings and these would have to be securely attached to the main trunk. The Haida tribe often placed three Watchmen on top of their totems
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 14 | Painting | Once the carvings on the Totem Pole were completed they were smoothed down ready for painting. Like the images, each color had a specific meaning to the Northwest Indians. Some totem poles were painted on the ground, whilst others were painted after they were erected.
| |
| | How to make a Totem Pole Stage 15 | Raising Ceremonies | The completed Totem Pole would be erected accompanied by rituals such as Totem Pole Raising ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and Spiritual Healing ritual.
| |
How to make a Totem Pole |
