y are totem poles made?

Answer 1

Totem poles are monumental sculptures carved from great trees, typically Western Redcedar, by a number of Native American cultures along the Pacific northwest coast of North America. The word "totem" is derived from the Algonkian word Dodem, originally meaning "to be related to someone" (i.e. someone who shares a family crest, or totem).

The meanings of the designs on totem poles are as varied as the cultures which produce them. Totem poles may recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events. Some poles are erected to celebrate cultural beliefs, but others are intended mostly as artistic presentations. Certain types of totem pole are part of mortuary structures incorporating grave boxes with carved supporting poles, or recessed backs in which grave boxes were placed. Poles are also carved to illustrate stories, to commemorate historic persons, to represent shamanic powers, and to provide objects of public ridicule. "Some of the figures on the poles constitute symbolic reminders of quarrels, murders, debts, and other unpleasant occurrences about which the Indians prefer to remain silent... The most widely known tales, like those of the exploits of Raven and of Kats who married the bear woman, are familiar to almost every native of the area. Carvings which symbolize these tales are sufficiently conventionalized to be readily recognizable even by persons whose lineage did not recount them as their own legendary history." (Reed 2003).

The poles used for public ridicule are usually called "shame poles", and were erected to shame individuals or groups for unpaid debts. Shame poles are today rarely discussed, and their meanings have in many places been forgotten. However they formed an important subset of poles carved throughout the 19th century.

Answer 2

Totem poles usually have animals carved into them such as eagles, bears etc. From what i understand each animal represents a knowledge or power if you will. For instance the owl/bear and jaguar represent the powers of the west and the mineral world, as well as intuition, introspection, change and death. Totems can be used to draw on the power of the animals represented in them.

Answer 3

Totem poles are wooden poles planted in the ground with carvings to represent one or more gods of the people that carved them. The gods represented are typically nature gods and animal spirit gods. The poles tend to be erected at the entrance of communal dwellings, villages or in the center of them. They are made to be physical manifestations or focal points for gods that are spirit in essence making the gods more real to the people.

Answer 4

As a reminder of a tribe's stories, heros and events. I suggest you do a couple of web searches on Totem poles, as the meaning and reasons depend on each tribe....

Answer 5

I have actually heard them all. Here are a few more for your list. My Grandmother just died. I'm really depressed. I'm busy and don't have time to date. I already have several boyfriends and don't want to add any more. This one was used on me in grade school "I'm not into dancing, I don't even want to go to the school dance." There is nothing more important the first time you meet someone than that instant physical attraction, so goodbye. I have a friend coming into town that day. I'm moving. I'm not into dating anyone younger than myself. I just don't think it's going to workout. I don't date coworkers. You are really such a sweet and nice person. I see you only as a friend. I just got out of a relationship. I just met someone. I have to work a triple shift at the diner every night this week. I know there's more that I've heard over the years besides whats on your list and what I just wrote, but I can't think of them right now.-thought of a few more. I have to do laundry that day. I just have nothing to wear. I can't because I have to go wash my hair. I just remembered I have plans to do something with my roommate. I'm hanging out with my friends that day. I can't commit to plans for next weekend and anything sooner is way to last minute for me. Very busy I have so many other things going on in my life.

Answer 6

I've always thought they were to recognise tribal heritage and to be used as a form of worship. I'm not sure though.

Answer 7

Because they were points of worship........................................