Totem Poles: History Standing Tall
Totem Poles: History Standing Tall
The Indians of the Pacific Northwest and lower Alaska had no written
language, so they carved their family history and tribal legends into
tall poles of native cedar wood. Called totem poles, these artifacts had
religious, ceremonial, and historical purposes.
The raven, a bird native to the area, was thought to be sacred by the Indians and they sometimes thought of themselves as the sons and daughters of the raven. For this reason, the raven with its strong beak and eyes is often carved on totem poles. The raven is usually carved near the top where it is seen in a protective position over the pole.
Sometimes a hat would be carved with a raven image, and then worn by a tribal leader or religious person. Perhaps the Indians thought the protective and sacred powers of the raven were transferred to the person wearing the raven hat.
Ketchikan is said to have more totem poles than any other place in the world.
The raven, a bird native to the area, was thought to be sacred by the Indians and they sometimes thought of themselves as the sons and daughters of the raven. For this reason, the raven with its strong beak and eyes is often carved on totem poles. The raven is usually carved near the top where it is seen in a protective position over the pole.
Sometimes a hat would be carved with a raven image, and then worn by a tribal leader or religious person. Perhaps the Indians thought the protective and sacred powers of the raven were transferred to the person wearing the raven hat.
Ketchikan is said to have more totem poles than any other place in the world.