Multi-Color Totem Pole

Totem Poles are a form of Northwest Coast art often carved from large trees like western red cedar. The carvings often represent ancestors, legends, lineages, or historical events and can be found along much of the Pacific Northwest in North America. First Nations and indigenous peoples that have traditionally carved totems include the Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl), Nuxalk (Bella Coola), and Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) and more.

As beautiful as they are, they are also a reminder of a time when such cultural expressions were seized and banned. Thankfully, a new generation of totem pole carvers have emerged to continue the artistry.

We hope that you enjoy printing one of these totem poles for yourself, and that if you ever have the opportunity to see a totem pole in person you appreciate the history and astonishing craftsmanship that much more!

Learn more about totem poles here: https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/totem_poles/

Printed with Palette 2: h