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A totem pole is a monumental carving of a single log of red cedar, created by the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest, that tells stories and commemorates ancestors, histories, people, and events. These poles serve as historical records, displaying a family's or clan's lineage, rights, and crest animals, and often feature mythical beings and symbolic figures. The carving process involves skilled artists using tools like chisels, mauls, and wedges to shape the wood into detailed symbols, resulting in vibrant, artistic pieces deeply significant to Indigenous culture.

Purpose and Significance
Historical Records:
Totem poles document significant events, lineage, and family crests, serving as a form of visual history for the community.
Family and Clan Identity:
They represent a family's or clan's symbolic relationship with the natural world and validate their privileges, territories, and privileges.
Commemoration:
Poles are often erected to memorialize important people or to commemorate significant achievements and events.
Cultural Expression:
They are a significant form of Indigenous Northwest Coast art, displaying a rich heritage and spiritual connection to ancestral pasts and mythical beings.
Creation and Design
Materials:
They are typically carved from a single, large log of red cedar.
Artistry:
The process involves a combination of tools, such as chisels, mauls, and wedges, used by skilled First Nations artists.
Imagery:
The poles feature an arrangement of figures, such as mythical beings, ancestors, and animals that act as family crests.
Vibrant Colors:
The carvings are often painted in vibrant colors, though the natural wood of the red cedar is also a key feature of the art form.
Cultural Context
First Nations of the Pacific Northwest:
The tradition of creating totem poles is central to the cultures of Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Community Events:
Totem poles are often raised during large community gatherings, such as feasts, which acknowledge contributions to the pole's creation and celebrate community events.