TOTEM POLES A NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY BRIEF HISTORICAL

TOTEM POLES A NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY

BRIEF HISTORICAL STANDPOINT Poles or sculptures carved into large trees by the people of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. Painted with symbols and figures (animals, family emblems, beliefs, etc. ) Hold spiritual significance and watches over a family or tribe Symbolizes the guardian spirit or helper Derived from the Ojjbwe word “odoodem” meaning “his kinship group” Not a symbol to worship, but inspiring respect.

WHO ELSE MADE TOTEM POLES? Not every Pacific Northwest Indian tribes North America British Columbia Southeastern Alaska Tlingit tribe Haida tribe Bella colla tribe Chinook tribe Tsimshian tribe Coast Salish

WHY WERE THEY MADE? Legend pole – supernatural encounters Memorial pole – commemorate the life of an important person Burial pole – grave markers or grave posts Heraldic pole – history of clans or families Entryway pole – Identifying the owner of the house, seen by all who enter the house Ridicule pole – shame pole; symbolic reminders of debts, quarrels, murders, etc. Indoor house pole – supporting the roof Welcoming pole – on waterfronts, identifying the ownership of water and surrounding land

SYMBOLISM Unique to the clan/tribe Interpretation requires knowledge of the customs, traditions, and history of the clan/family All colors and figures have meaning All animals or spirits carved has meaning When combined, all of these elements tell a story, legend or myth.

COLOR SYMBOLISM Face Paint War Paint Red – Faith, Beauty, & Happiness Red – Blood, Violence, & Energy Black – Victory & Success Black – Power, Aggression, & Strength White – Sharing, Purity, & Light White – Mourning Yellow/Orange – Intellect and Determination Yellow/Orange – Willing to Fight to the Death Green – Nature, Harmony & Healing Green – Endurance Blue – Wisdom & Intuition Blue – Confidence Purple – Power, Mystery & Magic (SACRED)

IMPORTANT TRIBAL COLORS Navajo – Blue, white, yellow, and black represent the four sacred mountains. Eastern mountains were white (Daytime) Southern were blue/turquoise (Dawn) Western were yellow (Twilight) Northern were black (Night) Apache – used the same mountains with the colors green, white, yellow, and black Iowa Nation – Black, yellow, red, and white represented direction, their flag, and what they consider o be the four races of men

THE MEDICINE WHEEL Represents the circle of life Also represent the lifespan of man Red – Birth (Spiritual life) Yellow – Growth (Emotional life) Black – Maturity (Physical life) White – Death (Intellect)

ANIMAL SYMBOLISM Each animal holds a different symbolic meaning as well For example: Buffalo – Sacredness, great strength, abundance, gratitude, blessings, stability Crab – Good luck, savvy, relaxed Fox – Agility, quick-witted, wildness, shape-shifting Owl – Wisdom, intuition, insight, mystery, stealth

TOTEM POLES

THE ASSIGNMENT Create the four sides of your own totem pole On paper, in full color sketches Make it tell a story about you or a loved one Use at least one face Use at least one animal Write an artist statement telling your story

HOW? ? ? Create your sketches All four sides Colored Label the colors and materials used to create each side These will be very detailed!!! They will take 2 class periods to complete

TIMELINE Begin sketching today and finish next class 2 class period per side of the cube One class for your story and assemblage! 11 class periods total Late/absent work will need to be made up outside of class! This project will be TIME CONSUMING and need GREAT EFFORT on your part. Many formative and summative grades will go in for this project.