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This page: Detail of a

This page: Detail of a Tlingit totem pole in Saxman Totem Park, Alaska 120 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE

CULTURE & SCIENCE & LEGEND LORE We delve into the history and meaning carved into the majestic totem poles of Alaska The totem poles of Alaska were created by coastal First Nations and Alaska Natives, in particular the Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida peoples. They are magnificent pieces of art that conjure up memories of people and events. Usually standing between 10 and 60 feet in height—although some can surpass 65 feet—the poles were traditionally carved by men. Today, however, both men and women can become professional totem pole carvers, often honing their skills after spending their childhood years watching the local experts in action. The word “totem” can be traced to the Algonquian word oten, meaning “village.” Typically created out of red cedar wood, most totem poles feature symbolic animals or human forms, as well as supernatural beings that chart a family’s lineage and history. Common crests include the thunderbird, wolf, grizzly bear, raven, beaver, frog, salmon and eagle, and important families often have more than one crest. In addition to family-related themes, totem poles mark a special event or commemorate a particular ancestor or legend. They have also been used as a point of welcome, a sign of remembrance or a celebration of a family’s success. Embedded in the culture, the ability to appreciate the meaning carved into a specific totem pole rests on the viewer’s level of understanding of the particular symbols and local traditions. Totem poles are one of the most recognizable cultural objects of the region. Their vast array of different EXPLORE MORE VIKING.COM 121