Totem Pole Facts

_Elsa_

‘Some towering nearly forty feet high (12 meters) Native American Indian totem poles, carved from the trunks of massive trees, are a stunning example of Native American Indian art. On this page is a list interesting facts about totem poles including where the Indian tribes that made them were, why they sculpted totem poles, how they made them, and what materials they used. Both kids and adults will find the easy-to-read format of this information helpful.

Native American Indian Totem Poles General Facts

• Native American Indian totem poles are sculptures carved on poles made from huge trees. These sculptures were made by Indian tribes of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. Why only tribes from this region? This art form was limited to regions where trees were very large and plentiful.

• The name of this art form "totem pole" is derived from the Algonquian word odoodem meaning "his kinship group".

• The figures carved on totem poles often depict characters from tribal legends. Animals are often carved on the poles.

• The carvings on totem poles often have symbolic meaning which can be complex.

• The first European explorers to the Pacific Northwest of North America observed totem poles and it is likely this art form has a long history dating back hundreds of years.

• An authentic American Indian totem pole can easily cost over $8,000 U.S. dollars. There are authentic ones for sale in some Native American Indian shops and are also available for sale online.

• Making a totem pole is an extremely labor intensive process. The huge poles were entirely carved by hand. The paint was then handmade and applied.

• Totem poles did not serve a religious purpose to Native Americans, as many objects did. Instead, they were meant to commemorate special occasions such as marriages, births and anniversaries. They sometimes portrayed a shameful act or a death.

• Considering the extensive amount of work that went into making a totem pole, they were regarded as a sign of wealth and power. They were often found outside the home of tribal chiefs.’ (Source)

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