***About Totem Poles

***: Totem poles are monumental sculptures carved from large trees, notably red cedar, by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, including British Columbia. These sculptures are intricately designed to represent and commemorate ancestry, histories, people, or events. Totem poles are not religious, but rather cultural symbols important to family lineages, often telling stories or marking important events. The art of totem carving was almost lost but has seen a revival as a symbol of cultural pride and preservation among native communities.

Image ID: 37771