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Meaning & Purpose
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Meaning and purpose of totem poles
The meanings of the designs on totem poles are as varied as the cultures which produce them, though they are all pictography or writing with pictures. 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."
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoMost were used for celebrations in ancient African tribes. But most reasons are not known.
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What purpose are totem poles made?
Totem poles are made so that the person who made it is capable of telling a story through wood.
For what purpose did North American Tlingit artists carve totem poles?
Totems are carved to tell a story about a clan or family.
Did Comanche make totem poles?
NO! They didn't make totem poles!!!!!!
What are the Alaska wooden poles carved and painted with symbols called?
Totem Poles.
What were totem poles made out of?
Totem poles are and were made from large tree trunks.
Why were totem poles built?
The totem poles were made to tell stories of the past
Did the NZ Purse tribe make totem poles?
No they did not make totem poles.
What were totem poles made of?
Totem poles are and were made from large tree trunks.
Do Cherokee Indians make totem poles?
Yes, and only Northwetern Native American Tribes used or had Totem Poles.
What culture do totem poles belong to?
Totem poles belong to the culture of the Native Americans.
What was the significance of the characters carved on the totem poles?
What was the significance of the characters carved on totem poles?
What was the significance of the character carved on totem poles?
What was the significance of the characters carved on totem poles?
