totémy

Totémy are artistic and cultural artifacts traditionally created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. These often imposing carvings, typically made from wood, are not worshipped as deities but rather serve as visual representations of lineage, ancestry, and important stories. The figures depicted can include animals, mythical creatures, and humans, each carrying specific symbolic meaning within the clan or family that commissioned the totem pole.

The creation of a totem pole was a significant undertaking, often accompanied by a potlatch, a ceremonial feast and gift-giving event. The designs are not merely decorative; they encode complex genealogies, record historical events, celebrate significant achievements, and assert the social status and rights of the family. The carvings are read from bottom to top, with the lowest figure often representing the principal crest or ancestor.

While the original purpose was deeply rooted in the social and spiritual fabric of these communities, totem poles have also become iconic symbols of Indigenous art and culture worldwide. Reproductions and original poles can be found in museums, public spaces, and private collections, continuing to tell the stories of the peoples who created them. The traditions surrounding totem pole carving are being actively preserved and revitalized by contemporary Indigenous artists.