david townes david townes david townes david townes david townes david townes
| home |
| portfolio |
| resume |
| links |
|
Section I.
|
Totem Poles: Meaning and History My knowledge of totem poles is somewhat limited. Totem poles are large carvings made from entire trunks of trees. Native Americans in Northwestern United States and Eastern Canada began the tradition of carving these monuments, and different figures on the pole represent different people or events. The practice has now become an art form, and the use of totem poles has spread beyond the tribes that created it. Through researching this topic, I would like to discover the origins, uses, significance, and meaning of totem poles. I would like to find out if and how they are used in today's modern society. Has the traditional value and significance of totem poles declined with increased commercialism and misuses of the totem pole? Has it become a widespread art form that other cultures are inheriting, or are totem poles still a product of the Northwest Native Americans? Most people recognize and could identify a totem pole. Few people, however, know their true history and meaning. Anyone that has ever wondered about the origins of these magnificent sculptures will benefit from my research. The research may also attract those interested in art or art history. The totem pole is a significant Native American art form that should be included in the study of American art. |
||
| Section I-b |
Keywords and Searches
UNC Library Catalog Academic Universe Lexis-Nexis Web <http://www.google.com> |
||
| Section II |
Print Sources Jensen, Vickie. Where the People Gather: Carving a Totem Pole.
Seattle: Shearar, Cheryl. Understanding Northwest Coast Art: A Guide to
the Crests,
Curtis, Edward S; Quimbly, George Irving. In the Land of the War
Canoes: |
||
| Section III |
Online Sources Edwards, Bob; Smith, Robert. (2002, September 30) History and Significance of Totem Poles. National Public Radio [Online], 30 paragraphs. Available: LEXIS-NEXIS Academic Universe. [2003, February 2] Broom, Jack. (2002, September 26) Carving Out History: Totems Stand Tall in New Burke Exhibit; An Exhibit at the Burke Museum Examines the Power of Totem Poles. The Seattle Times. [Online], 8 paragraphs. Available: LEXIS-NEXIS Academic Universe. [2003, February2] Maves Jr., Norm. (2002, August 24) Power of Pole Inspires Prayer. The Oregonian. [Online], 25 paragraphs. Available: LEXIS-NEXIS Academic Universe. [2003, February 2] Kiers, Roger. (2002, January/February) Icon of the Northwest. Archaeology. [Online], 5 paragraphs. Available: Infotrac. [2003, February 2] Dearborn, Keri. (2002, April) Totem Poles. Faces. [Online], 18 paragraphs. Available: Infotrac. [2003, February 2] Macphee, Erin Ryan. (1994, January) Totems. Arts and Activities. [Online], 9 paragraphs. Available: Infotrac. [2003, February 2] |
||
| Section IV | Related
Websites
Title: Totem Poles of the North American Northwest Coast Indians Title: Totem Poles: Heraldic Columns of the Northwest Coast Title: The Respect to Bill Reid Pole Title: Northwest Coast Totem Poles Title: On the Totem Trail |
||
