Title: Totem Poles ***
Headings: Totem Poles
Totem Poles
Northwest Indian Totem Poles

Content: The Symbols for every animal or spirit carved on the pole also have meaning and when combined on the pole, in sequence, constitute a story, legend or myth. Thunderbird Totem Pole


Meaning of Totem Poles - Carvings and Symbols
The meaning of Totem Poles can be interpreted from the carvings and symbols that tell a story. Every animal depicted on a Pole had a special meaning, characteristics and significance - refer to Animal Totems
Every color had a special meaning and significance
Every tribe and clan or family had a special animal totem and their poles were associated with specific colors
The position of figures on the pole were significant
Directional colors - Some colors symbolized the four cardinal points
The Decay of Totem Poles
As totem poles become old they decay and become weather-beaten and gray in color. Groups of old poles are sometimes compared to a forest of tree trunks left after a fire has swept through a wooded district. Pictures of House Totem Poles of Northwest Indians
Creating Totem Poles - How long did it take? The length of time taken to carve and paint the poles clearly depended on the size of the pole and the intricacy of the carving. Generally totem poles could take between 3 and 9 months to complete and required the skills of the experienced carver and his helpers. Northwest Indian Totem Poles
Native American Northwest Indian Poles and Posts
Materials used to create Totem Poles
History of the Northwest Indian Totem Poles and their purpose
Words and terminology associated with Northwest Indian Totem Poles
Examples of the Totem Pole
Native American Northwest Indian art and culture
Pictures and Videos of Native Americans
Discover the vast selection of pictures which relate to the History of Native Americans and illustrate many decorations and tattoos used by American Indians. The pictures show the clothing, tattoos, war paint, weapons and decorations of various Native Indian tribes that can be used as a really useful educational history resource for kids and children of all ages and a means to study their interpretation. We have included pictures to accompany the main topic of this section - Native American Culture.