| There are many things to admire about the | | | | poles symbolize specific traits or characteristics |
| culture and history of North America. They value | | | | that a clan considers to embody and not gods to |
| many things, most especially, they value life. One | | | | be adored. Often, they are compared to the |
| of the indigenous but striking and impressive art | | | | badges on a coat or to the Great Seal of the |
| forms of their people is the totem poles. Its | | | | country. |
| magnificent height along with its fascinating variety | | | | Totem animals are considered to be the ones |
| of colorful people, animals and shapes has | | | | that give wisdom as well as guiding us physically |
| portrayed many of the cultural panoramas of the | | | | and spiritually. Although there are many symbolic |
| Pacific North West - that is, from Oregon to | | | | animals, we consider only one to guide us in our |
| Alaska. | | | | lifetime. For instance, you believe to have an eagle |
| Based on the tradition, they say that a person is | | | | as your totem animal. Then it shows that you aim |
| associated to an animal, which will serve as his | | | | for friendship and peace. |
| guidance, in making decisions that will have great | | | | Totem poles, nowadays, are used in homes in the |
| impact in his life and will also determine his way of | | | | form a figurine or a small-sized totem animal to |
| life. But you are not connected with any animal | | | | symbolize who you really are in terms of making |
| forever since there are various types that will | | | | decisions in life. They are used in school activities |
| also direct you as you encounter different tasks | | | | so as to let children know of their predecessors' |
| during your lifetime. The animals are totally | | | | culture and tradition. In this way, their history can |
| dependent on which direction you decided your life | | | | well be preserved. |
| to venture. | | | | The purpose of each totem animal is to deliver an |
| Totems are made from the cedar tree and they | | | | interpretation of is needed to be improved, |
| serve many purposes. Each figure actually | | | | trained or tamed according to the shamans. They |
| represents an element within a story; along with | | | | are also present for articulation and enhancement. |
| other poles, they depict the history and many | | | | Shamans also believed that totem animals stand |
| legends of tribes which had no considered written | | | | for potential, ability or talent that a person may |
| language. The figures being carved on the totem | | | | be or may not be aware of. |