The totem pole is one of the most recognizable symbols of Native American life, even though it was only a facet of one geographic region.
Among the more universally recognized symbols of Native American religious tradition is the totem pole. Although this representative of indigenous philosophy does not permeate throughout all tribal belief systems, it is widely viewed as a symbol for Native American life in general. Primarily used by the tribes throughout the northwestern coastal regions of the United States and Canada, the totem pole has many meanings. Mostly carved form the durable wood of the cedar tree, the totem pole can either be a freestanding structure or incorporated in the architecture of a building such as a medicine lodge. By definition a totem pole is a combination of two words; “totem,” which is any symbol of cultural significance, and “pole,” which is self explanatory. Throughout history, the totem pole has remained as a steadfast symbol of northwestern coastal native religious belief.
What is striking about the northwestern cultural group of Indians is that the region that they flourished in allowed for the development of similar traits. The heavily wooded area throughout the 2000 miles of coastline provided early settlers with significant timber to construct durable housing. Woodworking became an important industry for many of these tribal groups and with the isolation provided by the surrounding forests as well as a beneficial coastal climate they were able to flourish. This is perhaps why the northwest costal tribes developed similar religious traits—namely the totem pole. Although the exact origin of the totem pole is a matter of the oral tradition of the individual tribe, there are stories that tell of its first appearance in native culture. The most common “creation” story relative to the totem pole is that which is told by the Kwakiutl tribe of British Columbia.
According to Kwakiutl oral tradition, as later transcribed, there once was a chief named Wakiash, who went to the mountains in search of a dance to call his own. Carried around the world on the back of a raven, the chief saw many wondrous things. In the midst of his journey, he came upon a magnificently carved totem pole located in front of a house. Enthralled by the music that he heard emanating from the house, Wakiash drew closer and espied a group of animals engaged in a dance. The animals were embarrassed that this outsider had seen them but invited the chief into their dwelling and taught him their dance. As a special gift, he was given the house and the Kalakuyuwish, or, sky pole, wrapped in a small package. When Wakiash returned to his land, he threw the package down to the earth as instructed and the house, the totem pole, and all of the animals that he had encountered reappeared. When his people gathered around his new house, he showed them his dance and all were enthralled. The magical animals and their dwelling then disappeared, leaving Wakiash with his dance and his newfound sense of purpose. He then constructed his own totem pole, depicting his journey and the animal spirits that he had encountered. This was the first totem pole, the Kalakuyuwish.
The symbols on the totem pole have changed throughout the historical and religious evolution of the tribes. A variety of factors have contributed to the change in the face and structure of the totem pole—most notably the fact that they are carved out of wood and easily decay. The reconstruction process would most likely be governed by factors affecting the tribe at the time—political and social upheavals, as well as religious and cultural factors, were most likely a factor. The main purpose of a totem pole is to tell a story and represent the figures of cultural and religious significance. However, there are also designs meant to represent individual accomplishment of heroic and important cultural figures. The significance of the totem pole is ever changing.
David M Jones and Brian L Molyneaux, Mythology of the American Nations. (London: Hermes House, 2006).
Gilbert Legay, Atlas of Indians. (Hauppage: Barron’s Educational Services, Inc., 1995)
Carl Waldman, Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes. (New York: Checkmark Books, 2006)
Carl Waldman, Atlas of the North American Indian. New York: 2000).
