TOTEM POLES
 A totem pole is probably the most complex crest carving made by Kwakiutl artists. The pride and wealth of the family and the reputation of the carver is closely tied to the totem pole and its crests. It is distinctly recognized as Northwest Coast, an art form symbolic to this geographical region. The totem pole displays significant information about the social worth, inheritance, power and standing of the Kwakiutl people.
The figures on the pole affirm the strength of the family and have deep meaning within the complex social life of the Kwakiutl culture. In the Kwakiutl culture, totem poles were carved and stood as house posts in a long house and supported the massive roof beams, house front poles which displayed the family crests of the chief that lived in the house, welcome figure poles to greet visitors to the village, memorial poles to honor a chief or family member who had passed or grave markers.There are many crests or designs that can be used on a totem pole.
The design would depend on the family's lineage and right to the crests and the purpose of the totem pole being carved. Designs may include - human figures, such as a chief holding a copper. Birds figures like the raven, eagle, hawk, loon or owl. Mythical birds such as a Thunderbird, Kolus or Sea Eagle. Animal figures carved in life size proportion may include a bear, grizzly bear, wolf or beaver. Sea animals such as a killer whale, salmon, octopus or frog. The totem may also have a sun or moon design. The copper and its association showing power, life, strength and wealth was often used on a chief's pole.
 Totem Poles are carved from red cedar. The western red cedar is British Columbia's official tree and can be referred to as "arbor-vitae' or "tree of life". It requires a person of knowledge to choose the right tree, one straight of grain, minimal knots and preferably close to road access for easy transport. Once the log is delivered, it is necessary to strip the log of the bark and adze away all the sapwood.
To commission a totem the figures are chosen, and the order of the figures is determined. But the design and representation are left up to the carver to give form to the figures, and bring out the shaping and detailing using elements such as wings, sun rays, dorsal fins or large beaks.
The process of carving a totem pole is much the same as it was along time ago, using an adze, chisel, curved and straight knives with minimal use of power tools. Because of the various design details, sizes and uses of totem poles, it is recommended that all totem poles are custom ordered to ensure that the totem has correct dimensions for the location where it will stand. Whether you are ordering a totem to display on your private property, office building, private and corporate business, park or heritage site, we are sure that you will find the perfect design from Stan Hunt's Studio.
It is recommended that when ordering a totem pole for a special occasion such a a birthday, anniversary and special celebration that orders are placed as early as possible to ensure that there is enough time to cover proofing and approving the design, size and specific details of the totem. |
