Frequently Asked Questions About Our Totem Poles

Are these real totem poles?

Yes. These are authentic, Native-carved totem poles, which were commissioned specifically for this building.

Are the totem poles made from one log?

Yes. Each totem pole is carved from one log, except for the protruding parts such as the wings, beak, dorsal fin on the killer whales, and eagle on top of the Haida totem pole, which are added-on pieces.

What kind of wood is used to make the totem poles?

The totem poles in our orientation room are carved from red cedar trees. Red cedar is the best choice because it is a soft wood with a straight grain and it grows large enough in diameter.

How are totem poles carved?

The tree is carefully selected, cut down in the forest and brought to the carving area. The totem pole is carved lying down where the carver can easily reach all sides of the log.

Why are your totem poles hollow in the back?

Because these totem poles were designed to be indoor totem poles, and therefore exposed to heat and light, the carvers hollowed the wood out of the back of the log to prevent extensive checking or cracking of the wood.

Why are those colors used on the totem poles?

These are the traditional colors used by the tribes. Paint could be made from natural products available to them, such as copper for the green-blue and clam shells to make white. The colors displayed here, black, red, rust red, green-blue, yellow, which and the natural wood finish have endured for centuries as the standard color used on totem poles.

Are totem poles worshiped?

No. This is a common misperception. Totem poles reflect different stories relating to the tribe, lineage or clan. They show rank and nobility, indicate heroism, achievement, prestige, wealth, history, possession of rights and tell of mythological animals.

What do the totem poles mean?

These totem poles confirm the identity of the three Alaska Native tribes that dwell in Southeast Alaska, the Tlingit, the Haida and the Tsimshian.

Tlingit pole • Haida pole • Tsimshian pole

Updated June 12, 2001

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