Silent Sentinels.

Northwest Pacific coast Indians such as the Haida, Tlingit, and the Kwakuitl are known for carving the largest wooden sculptures ever. Some totem poles were 40 feet (12 m) tall. They carved creatures on the totems to symbolize the legendary history of each family or clan. Markings on the pole might have represented marriages or other important family events.

Totems served useful purposes. A traveler could examine the totems upon arriving in a strange village and identify connections. He would then know where to find members of his clan who would provide him with food and shelter.

The Art of Carving

The Northwestern Pacific Indians created nearly all of their arts and crafts from wood. Dense forests, rich in hemlock, spruce, fir, and cedar gave them plenty of raw materials.

They carved images of animals such as grizzly bears, eagles, whales, and mythological creatures like the thunderbird into totem poles, masks and many other everyday objects such as dishes, canoes, chests, homes, and even hats.

All objects were stylized and decorated with a sense of balance, simple shapes, and harmonious colors. Carvings included the symbolic features of native animals: the two protruding buck teeth of a beaver, the fins and jagged teeth of a shark, and the curved beak of an eagle were a few of the images created on totem poles. Usually painted red, black, green, the crisp totem forms reached toward the sky in perfect symmetrical balance.

The Spirit of Totems

Artists were hired by wealthy families to carve their totems. Before carving a totem, the artist asked the tree for part of its power and strength. The artist began carefully, carving away as little as possible so as not to damage the spirit of the tree. The head spirit of each house was always placed on top of the carving. Totem poles were designed with the powerful rhythmic images standing as silent sentries along the coast, a testimony of the deep spirituality of the native woodcarvers of the Pacific Northwest.

The students found these powerful wooden giants both foreboding and intriguing. They were eager to build their own `miniature' totem poles from wood that I had accumulated. I obtained scrap wood from a variety of sources including the Industrial Arts department, local cabinet makers, and carpenters. I have also purchased some wood assortments available through art supply companies. Other wood items such as beads, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, and spoons can be used as well.

Planning a Totem Pole

Students began their totem poles by "playing with blocks." We discuss how totem images were designed around the outstanding characteristics of animals' wings, tails, horns, beaks, ears, eyes, and other special features. We linked certain animals to these features: an owl's eyes, a rabbit's ears', and a raccoon's mask. Students tried to assemble forms of easily recognizable animals using these identifiable features. When students had three to five images in mind for their totem figures, they began assembly and painting.

Planning is an important part of this project. Common sense dictates that those figures with the largest base belong at the bottom of the pole to best support and balance forms above. If the totem is to be one color, it's best to glue the parts together first and then paint them. However, if pieces arc to be different colors, painting should be done before gluing to keep edges clean and neat. Surfaces to be glued will adhere best if left unpainted. Wood glue works best for this project, but a craft glue is acceptable.

Totem poles are only one of the ways that native artists have recorded history, but they are certainly one of the most dynamic. The bold, powerful images of totem poles excite and generate imaginations, making this three-dimensional project a satisfying and culturally enriching experience.

Often students whose talent may not reveal itself in the more traditional art forms of drawing or painting, excel in this construction project building their artistic self-confidence as they build their totems.

NATIONAL STANDARD

Students know and compare the characteristics of artworks in various eras and cultures.

Toni Daller is a middle school art teacher in Hermann. Missouri.