Symbolism In Non-European Art

The Native Americans of the northwestern United States and Canada believe that each clan or kinship group is descended from a particular animal, such as a whale, wolf, or bear. Coincidentally, continents away the Africans practiced this exact belief. Their animal has become the group's totem, a powerful symbol of its identity. People display their identity and status with totem polesÐ'--tall standing logs carved with images of mythical animals. Totem poles mark the approaches to villages and the burial sites of chieftains and stand at the entrance of each clan house.

Originally, totem poles were raised to represent a family clan, its kinship system, rights, prestige, accomplishments, dignity, adventures, major events, clan histories, stories, and ridicule. A totem pole could be raised in honor of a deceased elder, to show the names of a specific important person, to record an encounter with a spiritual being, or to symbolize generosity. Totem poles are an important icon of identity, and the symbols presented within the pole say a great deal about the family, person, or reason for creating the pole. Totem poles are usually carved from mature cedar trees by a team of carvers. The chief carver personally carves the bottom ten feet of the pole, while his apprentices carve the upper portions. The lower portion of the totem pole (the part most easily seen by viewers), therefore, is usually the most professional and important.

However, not all totem poles are constructed this large. The Liberian Monkey is a totem pole barely a foot tall. Seeming to be carved out of wood, it looks old and tarnished. The monkey would symbolize mischievousness in the African folklore, however the position and stance this monkey was carved in was rather peculiar. Carved with it was a stool, which the monkey would be sitting upon. The wood had sharp defined features with harsh shaping statures and curves. Elongated hands brought to it's face in a rather religiously-suggestive matter, both sides symmetrically formed a U curve distinctly defining separation of the anatomy.

Many symbols can be incorporated into a totem pole. Raven is identified by his straight beak and is a powerful trickster, curious and defiant but likable. Eagle has a downward-curved beak and is part of the Sky Realm. Bear has large paws and sometimes a protruding tongue and is one who can transform into human form - he must not be insulted. Copper Woman grants wealth to her favorites and is the friend of Frog. A