 |
Totem Poles in First Nations Art
The mystic beauty of the totem poles created by the tribes of the First Nations of Canada has staggered their viewers for centuries. Alternately fierce and dreamlike, the totems convey a sense of security and history upon each viewing.What were these strange designs? What was their purpose? Most importantly, what can we learn from these vertical pieces of expressionistic art?
Among the tribes of the First Nations the term “totem pole” refers to the tall trunks of cedar upon which artists would carve multiple figures, one atop the other, often animals.
We'd like to welcome you with $200.00 or more in exclusive monthly savings, a special 10% discount and a ton of tips, tricks and secrets for getting the best deals on First Nations Art. Claim this Free, no obligation gift by entering your first name and primary email here:
When asked to envision a totem pole the first image that comes into the mind of most non-aboriginal peoples are the free-standing structures sometimes located in the woods or along the banks of bodies of water.
The fierce appearance on the faces of many of the totem figures has led many viewers to the erroneous conclusion that the purpose of these poles was to frighten away intruders. Most totems were, in fact, first nations art as vertical storybooks.
These free standing totem poles are most often found in areas once settled by the Tligit tribes, built to commemorate the passing of their dead. Known as mortuary poles, these totems were decorated with crests that told the story of the life and family of the deceased. Originally a box would be located at the top that contained the ashes of the dead; later, this box would be replaced with an uppermost totem figure and the ashes would be buried in a crypt dug behind the pole.
Although these mortuary totem poles are the most commonly known, they are not the most commonly found. Most of the First Nations tribes incorporated their totems into their homes, carving totem figures into the support beams of their houses or into large poles at the front of the house that served as a doorway. The totem figures were chosen for their significance in the life, family and culture of the family that resided within, often built as a memorial to a particular chief or warrior (not necessarily deceased).
Many years ago, in an attempt to suppress the continuation of the native culture, the Canadian government outlawed the potlach ceremony. The potlach was the elaborate ceremony at which a totem would be raised. At these ceremonies multiple bands would come together, and the host would bestow gifts upon the visitors as they watched the totem poles being erected. Everyone present would participate in ceremonies to honor the dead, celebrate a marriage, bestow a name upon a member of the band or inaugurate new communal houses in the village.
The building of the totems was an integral part of the culture of the people of the first nations, and despite the fact that they could no longer openly perform the potlach, totem poles continued to flourish. Totems began to appear on small poles, sold as gifts to tourists traveling up the coast, as well as on other artistic mediums that found their way into mainstream circulation.
When the government rescinded the law in 1951 potlach ceremonies commenced once again. If you are travel through the lands of the First Nations today you may be lucky enough to bear witness to these elaborate and exotic proceedings.
It is undeniable that totem poles play an integral part in the art and history of the tribes of the First Nations. Many of these have been destroyed, withered away by the elements and the never ending expansion of civilization.
Despite their now relative rarity, today’s totem poles have retained the beauty and power that captivated the minds and imaginations of the native artists so many years before.
