Totem Poles

Indigenous art · Pacific Northwest · carved wood · storytelling

Made from cedar trees. Totem poles are carved from massive western red cedar trees, which grow in the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. The wood is soft enough to carve beautifully but strong enough to last for generations.

Stacked animal symbols. Each totem pole features different animals and spirits carved one on top of another, like a tall stack of story symbols. These might include eagles, bears, whales, ravens, and other creatures that held special meaning to the family or community.

Created by First Nations. Indigenous peoples including the Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Kwakwaka'wakw, and Coast Salish carved these amazing poles over hundreds of years. Each nation had its own style and techniques passed down through families.

Tell family stories. Totem poles served as records of a family's history, ancestors, and important events. They were like a written story carved in wood that everyone in the community could see and understand.

Found in coastal regions. You can find totem poles along the coasts of British Columbia, Southeast Alaska, and Washington State, where the Pacific Northwest's rich forests meet the ocean.