Purpose Of Totem Poles- Totem poles are used by Native American tribes, and originated in the days before European settlers reached North America, before growing more widespread in the 1800s, thanks to the wealth brought by trade. These totem poles are covered in crests, depictions of figures or animals, and serve a number of purposes relating to tribespeople, their families and history. General Uses- Totem poles generally have an association with the history of the tribe that erected them. In general, totem poles represent the tribe’s lineage and the events that shaped the tribe into what it is. The totems might be dedicated to certain personages or events, while others are simply artistic in nature. On occasion, totem poles provide a function too, forming part of mortuary structures. Meaning of Crests- Totems are typically made up of depictions of animals, men and even mysterious creatures formed by combining animal images together. Each crest is a method of establishing identity and history, with the images representing ancestors or events in the lives of ancestors. For example, a crest bearing the depiction of a supernatural being could represent the story of an ancestor meeting such a creature. Storytelling- One of the primary functions of the totem pole is to relate a story to those who see it. Each crest tells a tale, either of an actual or semi-mythical event in the history of a specific family or of the tribe as a whole, or else a legendary story that’s been passed down from generation to generation. These stories concern such topics as wars, debts and arguments between tribesmen. Some of these tales are familiar to all Native Americans, and thus the totems form a part of their shared culture in the same way in which famous American memorials, such as the Lincoln Memorial, do, as the essay “Totem Poles of the North American Northwest Coast Indians” by Maryanne Kathleen Basti points out. Shame Poles- In some cases, the crests of the totem pole aren’t intended to commemorate or honor the persons depicted, but to shame them. Often, depictions of individuals or groups are carved into the totem because of unpaid debts that the tribespeople feel the offenders need to be reminded of. Often these totems are intended to shame rival tribes, but in more recent history, at least one shame pole has been constructed that has targeted the U.S. government, as the Totem Pole.net website notes. Misconceptions- In the past, totem poles have been associated with supposed religious practices. Often, Native American tribes with totem poles have been accused of idol worship. However, tribespeople don’t treat these poles with any particular reverence, and the totems aren’t used in any kind of religious ceremony.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:46:21 +0000
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