What is a totem pole?
Totem poles are storytellers. They tell adventurous stories about the history of a tribe or family, filled with mythical creatures and great challenges. In this way, the totem pole tells something about identity, history, and tradition. The word totem pole even comes from the word ‘dodeem’ which means ‘family sign’ in the Native American language Ojibwe.
Every part of a totem pole is well thought out. Once a family or group has chosen which animals will adorn their totem pole, the tree is cut down and carved by a local sculptor. This is specifically done from the wood of red cedars. Before the tree is knocked down, the sculptor addresses the spirit of the tree. The spirit is asked to let the tree fall in the right direction and not split.
There is often no hierarchy in the order of figures on the totem poles. Sometimes the main figure is at the bottom and sometimes at the top. After carving, the pole is painted. The choice of color strongly depends on the family for whom the pole is being made. Each clan has its traditional colors. In general, the colors black, red, blue, and sometimes white and yellow are the most commonly used. Each color has a special meaning and contributes to the story. Blue often stands for sky and water, red for blood and war, and black for strength.
Totem poles are also found in other places around the world. Click to learn more before continuing the story about the Leiden totem pole. Or go back to the man in the middle for a secret. He is holding something…