What do the symbols on a totem pole represent?
Common figures found on totem poles include the raven (a symbol of The Creator), the eagle (representing peace and friendship), the killer whale (a symbol of strength), the thunderbird, the beaver, the bear, the wolf and the frog.
What is the significance of the order of items on a totem pole?
The figures on a totem pole are arranged from top to bottom, but the sequence of the figures is not an indication of their importance. The concept of “low man on the totem pole” is not an expression of Northwest Coast culture as position on the pole is not an indication of rank.
What does top of the totem pole mean?
Meaning: If someone is at the bottom of the totem pole, they are unimportant. Opposite is at the top of the totem pole.
What do totem pole colors mean?
The colors in the totem pole also have deep meaning: Red is the color of blood, representing war or valor. Blue is for the skies and waters, including rivers and lakes. White is for the skies and spacious heavens. Yellow is the color of the sun, bringing light and happiness.
What is a shame pole?
shame pole (plural shame poles) A totem pole set up to shame an individual for a misdeed or an unpaid debt.
Who is the most important on a totem pole?
bottom figure
But traditionally, the bottom figure on a totem pole is the most important one. The head carver is in charge of this portion of the totem (the bottom 10 feet) since it is most visible and more detailed than the higher regions [source: Totem Poles: An Exploration].
What is the most important position on a totem pole?
But traditionally, the bottom figure on a totem pole is the most important one. The head carver is in charge of this portion of the totem (the bottom 10 feet) since it is most visible and more detailed than the higher regions [source: Totem Poles: An Exploration].
Is it better to be on the top or bottom of a totem pole?
…the bottom of all totem pole is sometimes the best carved part of the whole pole. Meaning wise, the low man has a much or more meaning than other figures. So while the general meaning seems to be that higher is better, traditionally for totem poles – as is explained by NCIS – lower is better.
Who is the most important figure on a totem pole?
What are the four sacred colors?
Four colors in particular—black, white, blue, and yellow—have important connections to Navajo cultural and spiritual beliefs. These col- ors represent the four cardinal directions.
What does purple mean on a totem pole?
mountains
Purple. ● Purple stood for mountains in the distance and general. conventionalized signs. ● Huckleberries give a very good substance for dyeing, and the. Indians commonly used them to make Purple.
What is the meaning of low man on the totem pole?
the person with the lowest rank
Definition of low man on the totem pole : the person with the lowest rank : the least important or least powerful person.