Final project 1st idea

I was thinking of different ways to tell a story. Some ways are non linear which makes them more interesting. Other ways are using symbols to portray different meanings. The Native Americans use these aspects in their totem poles. I did some research on totem poles to learn more about their storytelling. I was thinking of making the piece interactive by getting other people's ideas for the story or having people decide the symbols for each part of the story.

Here is some of my research

TOTEM POLES
OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST

The first totems were carved from mature cedar trees and used in the Potlatch ceremonies of families-clans of the Pacific Northwest, primarily Alaska and British Columbia. They were carved to represent the emblem of the family as a reminder of its history.

A totem is carved and placed at the front entrance of the family longhouse to honor its ancestors, the clan's standing, rights and accomplishments, to record a memorable ceremony or record a spiritual experience. A totem pole is a symbol of the qualities, experience and exploits of the clan.

The totem carvings tell a story, revealed only if one knows the meaning assigned to various animals, fish, birds and designs and where they are placed on the pole. There were a number of reasons why a particular figure or design was chosen by a clan. The connection between the clan and the various figures carved into the pole may have been as a result a special gift from the animal, fish or bird spirits. Or, there may have been a recent encounter with that figure. Some clans claimed to be descended from certain totem figures.

The meaning of many totem poles is lost with time. Even some of today's totem polescan not be understood except from one person - it's owner. Understanding the symbolism and stories hidden within the totem pole is more than a simple exercise in learning the attributed meanings of the figures. It is possible to know the meaning assigned a figure by the people of the Northwest, but it is not always possible to know its significance to the over-all story.

Totem figures are not Gods. Totems are not worshiped like religious icons nor used as a talisman. They were never used to ward off evil spirits and claims of bizarre, magical "totemism" practices are fiction. A totem pole may be compared to the symbolism portrayed in the Great Seal of the United States or a Coat of Arms. These national emblems are roughly equivalent to the meaning bound up in a totem pole except they identified clans not an entire nation.

Totem poles are carved today by both native and non-native people. They have become a highly valued art form and a symbol of pride and tradition for the people of the Pacific Northwest.

We invite you to discover the wonderful stories and wisdom contained in totem poles. To learn more about totem poles, visit excellent internet resources:

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SYMBOLS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Northwest

	BEAVER	Creative, Artistic and Determined
	BEAR	Strength, Learned Humility, Motherhood, Teaching
	BUMBLEBEE	Honesty, Pure Thinking - Willingness and Drive
	COPPER	Wealth and Prestige
	DOGFISH	Persistence and Strength - A Born Leader
	DOVE	Love, Gentleness and Kindness
	DRAGON FLY	Ever-changing Life
	EAGLE	Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige
	EAGLE FEATHER	Good Luck to Both Giver and Receiver
	FROG	Spring & New Life - Communicator, Stability
	HALIBUT	Life protector, Strength and Stability
	HAWK	Strength Far Sighted
	HERON	Patience, Graceful and Easy Going
	HUMMINGBIRD	Love, Beauty, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger
	KILLER WHALE	Traveler & Guardian - Symbol of Good
	KINGFISHER	Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility
	LOON	Peace, Tranquility - Generous Giving Nature
	MOON	Protector and Guardian of the Earth by Night
	OTTER	Trusting, Inquisitive and Bright - Loyal Friendship
	OWL	Wisdom
	RAVEN	Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light
	SALMON	Dependability and Renewal - A Provider
	SEAL	Bright, Inquisitive, Organized
	SUN	Healing Energy, Guardian of the Earth by Day
	THUNDERBIRD	Powerful & Mystical - A Leader
	WOLF	Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family