History of Totem Poles
Totem Poles are made of cedar, which decays eventually in the rainforest of the
Northwest Coast.
There aren't many poles carved before 1900 around now, but there are some dating
as far back as 1880.
Totem Poles existed before to 1800, but they were smaller and few in number.
House front poles are thought to have been used as 'Address' markers along the
rivers and coastlines.
Totem poles progressed from house posts, memorial markers into symbols of clan, and
to show the success or wealth of the family.
Certain types of totem poles are part of mortuary structures, and include 'grave
boxes' with carved supporting poles, or recessed backs for grave boxes.
Totem Poles illustrate stories that commemorate historic persons, represent
shamanic powers, familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events.
Totem poles take about 6–12 months to complete.
Ceramic Vocabulary
Clay: natural material of fine grained minerals mixed w/water, hardens when fired
Earthenware: low fire clay (@1700 degrees F) easy to work with and holds shape well
Stoneware: high fire clay with large amounts of grog or sand which gives it a rough
texture
Porcelain: very high fire clay w/kaolin, pure white clay w/low plasticity, poured into
molds
Greenware: dried and unfired clay that is VERY fragile
Kiln & Firing: heating clay at high temperatures to convert clay into ceramic
Bisqueware: clay that has been fired once making it strong and easy to handle and
glaze
Glaze: dried and unfired clay that is VERY fragile
Additive Technique: sculpture technique used to join one piece of clay to another
Subtractive Technique: sculpture technique where form is created by cutting or
carving
Wedge: get clay ready to work with and make sure it's the right stiffness and has no
air pockets
Score & Slip: technique for joining clay by scratching surface, adding slip & pressing
together
Slip: mixture of clay and water that works like glue to bond pieces of clay
Form: having 3-D shape, height, width, depth
Coil: rope or snakelike piece of clay made by rolling clay on the table
Texture: way the clay feels, rough, smooth, grainy; visual 'feel' of the surface
Totem Pole Sketches ~ 3rd Grade
Step 1: Decide which 3 animals will represent your family characteristics
Step 2: Sketch one animal head on top of the other. If you use a Thunderbird or
Eagle they should be on the top
Step 3: Color in your Totem Pole
Ceramic Totem Poles ~ 3rd Grade
Step 1: Wedge your clay
Step 2: Make a Totem Pole base by shaping your clay into a cylinder
Step 3: Using the Subtractive Technique carve animal features into your Totem Pole
Step 4: Using the Additive Technique add details to your Totem Pole (features, wings
for Thunderbirds)