Because at the time that is the only material the native Americans could get hold of in large quantities and pieces. Also it was one of the only materials the native Americans new how to shape expertly.
Wood
wood
Totem poles are made so that the person who made it is capable of telling a story through wood.
totem poles
Depends on what your asking. When was the first totem pole made? Long ago. Who made the first totem pole? Depends on how you define a totem pole. Wood or Stone? Detailed or not? Who made totem poles? There has been totem poles from Africa Tribes, American Indians, Vikings, and undoubtedly more.
Wood - often they are carved tree trunks
totem poles
totem poles
Totem poles are and were made from large tree trunks.
Totem poles
The totem poles were made to tell stories of the past
They made totem poles, they held potlatch