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The Mystery of Totem Poles Unveiled with Major Questions Answered

Understand the purpose, creation, tribes, symbols, and colors of totem poles in Native American communities. Explore the common animal symbols and their meanings. Discover the significance of varied hues on these monumental structures.

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The Mystery of Totem Poles Unveiled with Major Questions Answered

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  1. A LESSON ON TOTEM POLES Megan Ardovini April 25, 2014

  2. 5 Major Questions to be answered: • What is the purpose of totem poles? • How are totem poles created? • What tribes are known to have totem poles? • What are the meanings of the different symbols on a totem pole? • What are the meanings of the different colors on totem poles?

  3. Totem Poles: Purpose • Totem Poles are found in the middle of some Native American communities to represent ancestry, history, people, and events important to the people who live there • Totem poles serve as monuments for the nations who create them • Totem poles were not worshipped

  4. Totem Poles: How are they created? • Most are made from Western Red Cedar trees (easy to carve) • Several trees are looked at before one is picked to be carved. • Today both men and women are skilled totem pole carvers. • Many totem pole carvers have been training since childhoodlearning from their parents.

  5. Which Tribes are known to have totem poles? • The First Nations of the Pacific Northwest are known for their creation of totem poles. • Particularly Washington State, British Columbia, and the southern part of Alaska

  6. Occasions Totem Poles Were Made • To honor a dead elder • To show the success and accomplishment of people in the community • To thank a person who helped with an important ceremony

  7. Haida Tribe Totem Poles

  8. Tlingit Tribe Totem Poles

  9. Makah Tribe Totem Poles

  10. What things do you see that all of these totem poles have in common? How are they different?

  11. Animal Symbols of Totem Poles Totem poles that represent people in the community are often animal symbols each with their own meanings…

  12. The Beaver • Old • Wise • Creative • Artistic • Determined

  13. The Hawk • Strong • Willing to help anyone in their time of need • Good friend • Cares for family

  14. The Owl • Smart • Tries hard at whatever it does • Respected • Looked to for advice

  15. The Wolf • Loyal to friends and family • Powerful • A teacher • Successful • Doesn’t give up

  16. The Bear • A teacher and role model • Friendly • Works well with others • Welcoming

  17. The Raven • A trickster • Mischievous • Curious • Smart

  18. Colors of totem poles The colors used to paint totem poles also have certain purposes and meanings…

  19. White • Clean/Pure • Peace • Used mostly for backgrounds

  20. Red • Blood • War • Draw attention to something important

  21. Blue • Water • Sadness • Skies

  22. Yellow • Sun • Light • Happiness

  23. Green • Earth • Hills • Trees • Nature

  24. Black • Primarily stood for power • Darkness

  25. Do any of the animal symbols have characteristics that you also have? If so which ones and what things do you have in common?

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