Definition of the word totem pole

The word "totem pole" refers to a tall, carved sculpture that is part of the cultural heritage of various Indigenous peoples in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The term "totem" is derived from the Tlingit word "da'kw", meaning "family crest" or "footprint". This word was adopted and adapted by English speakers to describe the towering wooden sculptures that have been created by Indigenous artists for centuries. The poles typically feature animal or mythological figures, each representing an important aspect of the community's history or traditions, and serve both as a symbol of cultural identity and as a tangible link to the ancestors. Today, totem poles continue to be an important part of Indigenous cultural expression and are recognized as a unique and valuable artistic and historical tradition.