a lesson on totem poles megan ardovini april 25, 2014
TRANSCRIPT
A LESSON ON TOTEM POLES
Megan ArdoviniApril 25, 2014
5 Major Questions to be answered:
1) What is the purpose of totem poles? 2) How are totem poles created? 3) What tribes are known to have
totem poles?4) What are the meanings of the
different symbols on a totem pole? 5) What are the meanings of the
different colors on totem poles?
Totem Poles: Purpose
• Totem Poles are found in the middle of some Native American communities to represent ancestry, history, people, and events important to the people who live there
• Totem poles serve as monuments for
the nations who create them
• Totem poles were not worshipped
Totem Poles: How are they created?
• Most are made from Western Red Cedar trees (easy to carve)
• Several trees are looked at before one is picked to be carved.
• Today both men and women are skilled totem pole carvers.
• Many totem pole carvers have been training since childhood learning from their parents.
Which Tribes are known to have totem poles?
• The First Nations of the Pacific Northwest are known for their creation of totem poles.
• Particularly Washington State, British Columbia, and the southern part of Alaska
Occasions Totem Poles Were Made
• To honor a dead elder• To show the success and
accomplishment of people in the community
• To thank a person who helped with an important ceremony
Haida Tribe Totem Poles
Tlingit Tribe Totem Poles
Makah Tribe Totem Poles
What things do you see that all of these totem poles have in common?
How are they different?
Animal Symbols of Totem Poles
Totem poles that represent people in the community are often animal
symbols each with their own meanings…
The Beaver
• Old
• Wise
• Creative
• Artistic
• Determined
The Hawk
• Strong
• Willing to help
anyone in their
time of need
• Good friend
• Cares for family
The Owl
• Smart
• Tries hard at whatever it
does
• Respected
• Looked to for advice
The Wolf
• Loyal to friends
and family
• Powerful
• A teacher
• Successful
• Doesn’t give up
The Bear
• A teacher and role
model
• Friendly
• Works well with
others
• Welcoming
The Raven
• A trickster
• Mischievous
• Curious
• Smart
Colors of totem poles
The colors used to paint totem poles also have certain purposes and
meanings…
White • Clean/Pure
• Peace
• Used mostly for backgrounds
Red• Blood
• War
• Draw attention to something
important
Blue• Water
• Sadness
• Skies
Yellow• Sun
• Light
• Happiness
Green• Earth
• Hills
• Trees
• Nature
Black• Primarily stood for power
• Darkness
Do any of the animal symbols have characteristics that you also have?
If so which ones and what things do you have in common?