![]() ![]() The socio-cultural roles of Native Alaska Totem Poles are powerful, and the raising of a pole is usually celebrated with a ceremony and a feast. The history of totem poles goes back centuries, but since few totem poles have survived before 1900, it is difficult to trace their exact historical dating. Totem pole symbols include images such as ravens, eagles, owls, fish, frogs, beavers, bears, plants, and people. But even without knowing the exact meaning, what you have in a totem pole is a dazzling monument full of Native Alaskan art and history as told through totem pole symbols.Įach totem pole is original. The meaning of a pole is often a mystery to outsiders and is only known to the Native Carver, those who commissioned the pole, and those at the pole raising. What Is The Meaning Of A Native Alaskan Totem Pole? These poles are hollowed out in the back to hold the remains of the deceased. Otherwise known as the "potlatch pole,” this structure celebrates festivals and special events. Since there is often no written language, Native Legend Poles are used to symbolize essential legends and stories. The Memorial Pole, or funeral pole, commemorates the life of important elders or tribe members.The poles have often been used to support large rafters both inside and outside a house. The Lineage Pole also allows the identification of friends and foes. The Lineage Pole, or Entrance Pole, displays family and tribal history, not to mention social status.The Five Other Types Of Native Alaskan Totem Poles That Are Far Less Onerous But No Less Compelling Are: structure that will last 60, 80, and even in rare cases, 100 years. Imagine the ridicule and chagrin you would feel if your indiscretion was memorialized on a 70-to-100 ft. An example includes the Seward Pole in Saxman Village. ![]() Quarrels, murders, and other nasty acts and occurrences are also immortalized on the Shame Pole. ![]() The Shame Pole, for example, targets weak leaders and those who failed to fulfill an obligation or repay a debt. Totem poles are revered by Native Alaskans, and there are at least six different kinds. These magnificent works of art can represent events like births, deaths, marriages, people, animals, and spirits. Totem poles are considered sacred but are not considered a religious symbol by indigenous peoples. The Six Types Of Native Alaskan Totem Poles Each pole is unique and tells its own story, commemorating tribal legends, myths, and family legends with totem pole symbols carved into a western red cedar log. The Native Alaska Totem Pole is a colossal presence in Alaska's coastal areas. The Native Alaskan tribe known as the Tlingit calls the totem pole "kooteeyaa,” meaning "people of the other side.” The word "totem” is a reference to a guardian, ancestral being, or another supernatural being, but totem pole symbolism also serves as a reminder of significant events. These majestic pieces are stately, soaring, carved representations celebrating significant people, history, places, and things in Alaska Native tribal culture. Totem poles are emblematic pieces of Northwest Coast art created by the First Nations of the coastal Pacific Northwest in British Columbia and Southeastern Alaska. Alaska is known for its majestic mountains, diverse wildlife, sparkling waters, charming towns, and wonderful people.īut nothing is more symbolic of "The Last Frontier” than the towering Native Alaskan Totem Pole. ![]()
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