Fun Facts About Totem Poles

• Totem poles are sculptures carved from large trees.

• Totem poles are symbols of tradition and pride for the people of the Pacific Northwest.

• Totem poles represent events and stories.

• The images on totem poles do not represent gods to worship, but qualities and characteristics that the clan or artist embodies. Common images and their meanings include the owl, which represents wisdom, and the bear, which represents strength.

• Because of the amount of work that went into creating a beautiful totem pole, they were often a sign of wealth or prestige.

• Shells, bones, antlers, and beaver teeth were often used to carve totem poles during earlier times.