*** About Totem Poles: Totem poles, emblematic of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, especially those in British Columbia, represent more than just art; they are storied monuments, encapsulating lineage, lore, and rights. Traditionally carved from red cedar, these towering sculptures feature symbols and figures, each telling stories or denoting clan lineage, important events, or rights that the pole owner holds. Frequently misunderstood by outsiders as religious symbols, they are, in fact, a form of record-keeping and a means to uphold the oral narrative traditions of the communities.:

Image ID: 37763