2. A LESSON ON TOTEM POLES
Megan Ardovini
April 25, 2014

3. 5 Major Questions to be answered:
What is the purpose of totem poles?
How are totem poles created?
What tribes are known to have totem poles?
What are the meanings of the different symbols on a totem pole?
What are the meanings of the different colors on totem poles?

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. Haida Tribe Totem Poles

9. Tlingit Tribe Totem Poles

10. Makah Tribe Totem Poles

11. What things do you see that all of these totem poles have in common
What things do you see that all of these totem poles have in common? How are they different?

12. Animal Symbols of Totem Poles
Totem poles that represent people in the community are often animal symbols each with their own meanings…

13. The Beaver
Old
Wise
Creative
Artistic
Determined

14. The Hawk Strong Willing to help anyone in their time of need
Good friend
Cares for family

15. The Owl Smart Tries hard at whatever it does Respected
Looked to for advice

16. The Wolf Loyal to friends and family Powerful A teacher Successful
Doesn’t give up

17. The Bear A teacher and role model Friendly Works well with others
Welcoming

18. The Raven
A trickster
Mischievous
Curious
Smart

19. Colors of totem poles
The colors used to paint totem poles also have certain purposes and meanings…

20. White
Clean/Pure
Peace
Used mostly for backgrounds

21. Red
Blood
War
Draw attention to something important

22. Blue
Water
Sadness
Skies

23. Yellow
Sun
Light
Happiness

24. Green
Earth
Hills
Trees
Nature

25. Black
Primarily stood for power
Darkness

26. Do any of the animal symbols have characteristics that you also have
Do any of the animal symbols have characteristics that you also have? If so which ones and what things do you have in common?