This is a miniature example of a totem pole – a carved vertical pole depicting human and animal figures standing on top of one another. This small pole has been carved from a half cylindrical section of wood mounted on a wooden base, and shows four stacked figures. The crest at the top is a fierce eyed bird with outstretched wings, with a creature, perhaps a turtle, clutching at its belly. Under that there is a human figure with elongated eyes and decorations on its cheeks.  At the bottom is a standing figure, possibly a bird. The figures are symmetrical and face the front. The pole is painted in red and black on a white wooden surface. It was made for tourists and while quite crude, is still powerful.

Real totem poles are huge and imposing, and could be 12 metres high. They were made by the indigenous peoples of the Pacific North West Coast of America – the Haida, Kwaguitl and Tsimshian people. The full meaning of the images isn’t known as the North West Coast Indian culture was virtually obliterated by the beginning of the 20^th century by disease and persecution and much of the symbolism has been lost. However, there are still craftspeople working today to keep the art form alive.

Typically, the carvings represent ancestors, and tell stories of tribal and family legend, adventures of animal and supernatural spirits, and sometimes family disputes. The North West Coast Indians lived close to nature and depicted familiar animals like the wolf, bear, beaver, eagle, and whale. Each clan has a particular association with one of these animals (almost like a family name) – this was its totem. Totem poles were associated with wealth; they were status symbols and were ceremonially erected in front of the houses of important people, usually during a potlatch, when stories associated with the family and with the totem pole images were retold.

Totem poles were carved by highly skilled craftsmen who interpreted the old stories in their own style. They were made from the trunks of large trees (usually the native Western Red Cedar). The poles were also sometimes painted, usually red and black.

Totem poles can be freestanding, they can commemorate an ancestor or welcome guests, they can serve as carved supports for roof beams or as a doorway into the home where you would walk in through the open mouth of a human or animal carving.  Sometimes totem poles are also mortuary poles with compartments for the remains of dead ancestors.