American Indian Totem Poles

New Post!

In this new post, I am going to talk about the Totem Poles in the different Native American Tribes.

First of all, the word ''totem'' is derived from the Ojibwe word ''odoodem'' meaning ''his kinship group''. The Totems were not carved in the Southwest's tribes, because they did not have trees to create them. This ancient tradition were usual in the tribes of the Pacific Northwest Coast (Tligit Tribe, Haida Tribe, Bella Coola Tribe, Kwakiutl Tribe, Tsimshian Tribe) and in some of the Athabaskan tribes of southern Alaska.
Long ago the totem poles were found to stand 40 feet tall

The Amerindians expressed themselves with their artwork carved in totem poles and the creation of one of this amazing symbols meant a celebration in the tribe. Many people danced and sang while the totem pole was raised.

People usually think that the totem poles were a religious symbol, which is wrong. Carvings will represent the tribal nation and history. Many times the story of a totem pole will be passed down from generation to generation. 

The animals had a great connection with the totem poles. Native Americans believed that each individual is connected with 9 different animals during his or her life. Animals totems are Animals Spirits that can be called upon, by an individual or tribe, for its special powers to serve as a guardian or protector when facing adversity. 

Because of that, animals, as emblems of a clan, were represented in totem poles. 

Now I am going to show you some special meaning, characteristics and significance of this Animals totem poles:

• Alligator: Emotional understanding, cleansing and spiritual healing 
• Bear: Strength, motherhood, humility
• Buffalo: Great spirit, knowledge, generosity and abundance
• Eagle: Leadership, strength and prestige
• Horse: Energy, communicates with other realms

Bibliography

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems.html
http://www.native-languages.org/totem.htm
http://www.indians.org/articles/totem-poles.html
http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/The-First-Totem-Pole-Kwakiutl.html