Towering majestically against the misty skies of the Pacific Northwest, totem poles stand as profound and intricate storytellers carved from wood. For the casual observer, they are often objects of mystery and beauty, their complex figures and symbols hinting at a deeper narrative. It’s a common misconception that these monumental sculptures were objects of worship. In reality, their purpose is far more rich and varied, serving as visual records of history, lineage, and the sacred stories of the Indigenous peoples who created them, primarily from the coastal regions of British Columbia and Alaska.
Understanding a totem pole is less like reading a book and more like interpreting a complex coat of arms. Each figure carved into the cedar log represents a crest, an emblem that signifies a particular family, clan, or individual’s identity, rights, and history. These poles are not just art; they are legal documents, historical markers, and genealogical charts all rolled into one magnificent form. They tell of epic journeys, supernatural encounters, significant life events like marriages or the passing of a chief, and the foundational myths that shape a community’s worldview.
The Language of the Crests
The figures on a totem pole are a symbolic language, where each animal, human, or mythological being carries a wealth of meaning. The arrangement of these figures is crucial. While there’s no single rule, poles are often “read” from the bottom up, with the most significant or foundational crests placed at the base. However, some traditions place the most important figure at the top. The meaning isn’t just in the individual symbols but in their combination and placement, creating a unique narrative for the person or family who commissioned the pole.
Key Figures and Their Symbolism
While meanings can vary significantly between nations, clans, and even individual carvers, certain figures appear frequently and carry generally understood symbolic weight. It’s the context that truly unlocks their specific story.
- The Thunderbird: Often perched at the very top of a pole, the Thunderbird is a powerful mythological creature. It is a symbol of immense power, protection, and provision. Legends say the flap of its wings creates thunder, and lightning flashes from its eyes. Seeing a Thunderbird crest signifies a family with a mighty and respected lineage.
- The Bear: A symbol of strength, family, and wisdom, the Bear is frequently depicted on totem poles. It is considered a close relative to humans and is a powerful teacher. A Bear crest often signifies a protector and a provider, embodying qualities of a great warrior or a caring mother. Its presence can commemorate a story of a human who was helped by or transformed into a bear.
- The Raven: The Raven is one of the most complex and pivotal figures in Northwest Coast mythology. He is a cultural hero, a transformer, and a trickster. The Raven is credited with bringing light to the world by stealing the sun, moon, and stars from a greedy chief. As a crest, it represents creativity, knowledge, and the magic of transformation, but also the complexity of life, embodying both noble and mischievous traits.
- The Eagle: Representing power, prestige, wisdom, and a connection to the creator, the Eagle is a sacred and noble figure. With its ability to soar higher than any other bird, it is seen as a messenger between the physical and spiritual worlds. Eagle feathers are used in sacred ceremonies, and the presence of an Eagle on a pole denotes high status and a strong spiritual connection.
- The Wolf: The Wolf is a powerful symbol of loyalty, family, and communication. Wolves live and hunt in packs, and this trait is admired as a model for community and cooperation. A Wolf crest speaks to intelligence, leadership, and a deep connection to one’s family and clan.
It is crucial to remember that these interpretations are not universal. The specific story behind a figure on a pole belongs to the family that holds the crest. Ascribing a generic “dictionary” meaning to a symbol can erase the unique history and cultural context that makes each pole so significant.
Types of Totem Poles
Not all totem poles serve the same function. Their purpose often dictates their design and where they are placed within a village. Understanding the different types adds another layer to their meaning.
Memorial and Mortuary Poles
A Memorial Pole is raised about a year after a chief or person of high rank has passed away. It honors the deceased and displays their family’s crests and accomplishments. A Mortuary Pole is a bit different; it includes a cavity at the top to hold the grave box of the deceased, making it a form of tombstone and family record combined.
House Poles and Welcome Figures
House Frontal Poles are placed at the entrance of a clan longhouse. They are often the most elaborate, detailing the family’s history and status, and sometimes include an opening that serves as the doorway. Welcome Poles are typically found at the edge of a village near the water, carved with figures with outstretched arms to greet and welcome visitors, or sometimes to intimidate rivals.
The Shame Pole
A less common but fascinating type is the Shame Pole. This was a pole raised to publicly ridicule or “shame” an individual or group for an unpaid debt or a broken promise. The figures on the pole would be carved to represent the person being shamed, sometimes upside down or in a ridiculous posture. Once the debt was paid or the wrong was righted, the pole was taken down.
Ultimately, totem poles are far more than static artifacts; they are living documents that connect generations. They are a testament to the artistic genius, rich oral traditions, and resilient cultures of the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest. Each groove in the cedar, each carefully painted eye, holds a piece of a story that continues to resonate with power and meaning today.
