Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE TOTEM POLES OF
THE NORTHWESTERN FIRST NATIONS
Sculpted using towering cedars and used in the ceremonial potlatches
of Aboriginal family clans from the Northwest, totem poles are his-
torical family emblems. They were placed in front of the entrance to
the family “longhouse” to honour ancestors, display the clan's status
and describe a memorable ceremony or spiritual experience. The
totem pole is thus a symbol of the qualities, experience and exploits
of the clan.
The images that are sculpted into a totem pole recall a history which
can only be read by those who understand the meanings that are at-
tributed to the animals, fi sh, birds and designs that they depict, as well
as their placement on the pole.
Unlike what is commonly thought, the fi gures on a totem pole do not
represent gods; totem poles are not adored as religious icons or used
as talismans, and have never been used to ward off evil spirits. Totem
poles are similar to heraldic fi gures or coats of arms and their symbol-
ism. The meaning of the symbols and blazons that distinguish a family,
a city or a country are similar to the fi gures on the totem pole, except
that they identify a clan instead.
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