This site explains the history of the totem pole as well as some of the meanings and how they decide which animals to place in them. This is the type of thinking I am using for my project and totem poles have always been a fascination of mine, I have taken a photo of every one I have ever seen and paired with the native paintings, they are the other inspiration for my "spirit animal" focused work this semester. These are a few excerpts which I find important to remember:
"The meanings of the designs on totem poles are as varied as the cultures which produce them. Totem poles may recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events. Some poles are erected to celebrate cultural beliefs, but others are intended mostly as artistic presentations. Certain types of totem pole are part of mortuary structures incorporating grave boxes with carved supporting poles, or recessed backs in which grave boxes were placed. Poles are also carved to illustrate stories, to commemorate historic persons, to represent shamanic powers, and to provide objects of public ridicule."
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