History of Totem Poles
A totem pole tells the story of people and events. This is much like the oral history of the Native American tribes. There is a dispute regarding when totem poles were first made. Some Anthropologists believe they were made following the arrival of Europeans in America. The oral history of the native people tell of totems being made before the arrival of Europeans. Since wood decays, it is nearly impossible to provide proof one way or the other. There is evidence however that totems were made as far back as the 1800’s. Many have also mistakenly believed that all Native Americans built totem poles. This is not true. In fact, totem poles were only made by tribes located in northwestern Washington, Canada, Coastal British Columbia and southeastern Alaska.
Due to the policies of the United States and Canada towards the assimilation of the native people, there was a sharp decline in the number of totems that were made. We are lucky that today there has been an upswing in interest and appreciate for the art resulting in a number of successful native artists.
Due to the policies of the United States and Canada towards the assimilation of the native people, there was a sharp decline in the number of totems that were made. We are lucky that today there has been an upswing in interest and appreciate for the art resulting in a number of successful native artists.