TOTEM POLES OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST The first totems were carved from mature cedar trees and used in the Potlatch ceremonies of families-clans of the Pacific Northwest, primarily Alaska and British Columbia. They were carved to represent the emblem of the family as a reminder of its history. A totem is carved and placed at the front entrance of the family longhouse to honor its ancestors, the clans standing, rights and accomplishments, to record a memorable ceremony or record a spiritual experience. A totem pole is a symbol of the qualities, experience and exploits of the clan. The totem carvings tell a story, revealed only if one knows the meaning assigned to various animals, fish, birds and designs and where they are placed on the pole. There were a number of reasons why a particular figure or design was chosen by a clan. The connection between the clan and the various figures carved into the pole may have been as a result a special gift from the animal, fish or bird spirits. Or, there may have been a recent encounter with that figure. Some clans claimed to be descended from certain totem figures. The meaning of many totem poles is lost with time. Even some of todays totem polescan not be understood except from one person - its owner. Understanding the symbolism and stories hidden within the totem pole is more than a simple exercise in learning the attributed meanings of the figures. It is possible to know the meaning assigned a figure by the people of the Northwest, but it is not always possible to know its significance to the over-all story. Totem figures are not Gods. Totems are not worshiped like religious icons nor used as a talisman. They were never used to ward off evil spirits and claims of bizarre, magical totemism practices are fiction. A totem pole may be compared to the symbolism portrayed in the Great Seal of the United States or a Coat of Arms. These national emblems are roughly equivalent to the meaning bound up in a totem pole except they identified clans not an entire nation. Totem poles are carved today by both native and non-native people. They have become a highly valued art form and a symbol of pride and tradition for the people of the Pacific Northwest. SYMBOLS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE Northwest BEAVER Creative, Artistic and Determined BEAR Strength, Learned Humility, Motherhood, Teaching BUMBLEBEE Honesty, Pure Thinking - Willingness and Drive COPPER Wealth and Prestige DOGFISH Persistence and Strength - A Born Leader DOVE Love, Gentleness and Kindness DRAGON FLY Ever-changing Life EAGLE Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige EAGLE FEATHER Good Luck to Both Giver and Receiver FROG Spring & New Life - Communicator, Stability HALIBUT Life protector, Strength and Stability HAWK Strength Far Sighted HERON Patience, Graceful and Easy Going HUMMINGBIRD Love, Beauty, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger KILLER WHALE Traveler & Guardian - Symbol of Good KINGFISHER Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility LOON Peace, Tranquility - Generous Giving Nature MOON Protector and Guardian of the Earth by Night OTTER Trusting, Inquisitive and Bright - Loyal Friendship OWL Wisdom RAVEN Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light SALMON Dependability and Renewal - A Provider SEAL Bright, Inquisitive, Organized SUN Healing Energy, Guardian of the Earth by Day THUNDERBIRD Powerful & Mystical - A Leader WOLF Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 06:17:31 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015