When were totem poles invented?

Answer 1

Nobody knows where totem poles originated from or exactly when, because there is no solid recorded evidence. All we can do is guess when they were first made.

Many different cultures made totem poles, not just Native Americans.

While poles made by Native American tribes are the most famously known, the Mayans, Aztecs, Native Canadians, Native Australians, Maori, ingenious Koreans and ingenious Chinese are also known to have built totem poles.

Many of the poles tell a story, either of a battle, a great feat or a popular legend. Erected for the people of the tribe and visitors to see and remember the events carved into the pole.

They were often also used by Native Australian tribes and Maori tribes to mark their territories, warning rival tribes that they are entering their land, as well as to tell stories like most totem poles.

Aztec and Mayan totem poles were carved from stone, mostly limestone. The poles are carved with images or representations of great battles and representations of Gods.

Ancient ingenious Chinese and Koreans erected small totems to signify their obedience to their Gods and respect to their ancestors.

Anybody who claims the Native Americans were the first to build totem poles are actually incorrect. Truth is, we don't know where they originated from. The empires of ancient China and ancient Korea have existed long before the native Americans settled.

Answer 2

"Totem" poles are not a Navajo or southwest tradition. There are made by the people of the Northwest coast. Many of them are the equivalent to a European coat of arms but they were made by many peoples for different traditions. They were never worshiped or totems. They portray mythic origins and stories of important families or clans. Because they are made of wood in a wet temperate rain forest environment they do not last a long time and no one knows how long these peoples have been making them or who made them first.

Answer 3

the Kwakiutl Indian tribe in Northwest Canada

Answer 4

Some Native American with time on their hands and a history to share with their neighboring friends and family.

Answer 5

native americans