Totems are long tree trunks decorated with figures of people or animals stacked on top of each other. For many years, Native Americans of the North Pacific have made totem poles to tell stories to their family, to commemorate events, or to symbolically illustrate a pact. Making a totem pole is a unique way to tell your story or to celebrate a particular moment, such as a birthday, an anniversary or a school milestone. It can also be an imaginative way to tell a story in a school project. If you want to learn how to build a totem pole, read on.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose a Story and Symbols for the Totem
Step 1. Decide what story you want to tell
Some people believe that totem poles were originally only used in religious ceremonies, but the truth is that they were invented to guard and illustrate tales. Think of the stake you want to build as a kind of chronology or memory of a family (or person). What story do you want to tell?
- You could narrate the deeds of a hero, or depict the story of your family by making a symbol for each of its members. Or the story of a city, a battle, even a relationship. Be creative!
- Think about the most important elements of the story. Make a list that includes events, character traits, family members, or other factors you want to include in the totem pole. The more elements you insert, the bigger your totem pole will be. Aim to have at least five elements to depict.
Step 2. Decide which symbols to use to tell your story
Now that you have a list of items to insert, how do you want to represent them? Traditional totem poles usually featured animal figures to tell a story. You can choose this path already beaten or orient yourself on other symbols that have a personal meaning for you.
-
If you want animals to be part of your totem, choose those that have an important value for you (one that represents your spirit, for example), or consider those linked to tradition that best fit your story. Here are some of them:
- Thunder bird. This mythological creature has the power to throw thunder, lightning and strong gusts of wind. You can use it to symbolize a moment in your history when chaos reigns.
- The bear. This lovable creature comes to the aid of people in times of need. Use the bear to represent a selfless person, or a situation where needed help has finally come.
- The owl. The wise owl is the symbol of the souls that have passed away. The owl can also represent the past itself, or a loved one that has disappeared.
- The raven. This crafty and shrewd bird is used to represent intelligence.
- The wolf. Wolves are symbols of strength and loyalty.
- The Frog. Frogs are said to bring a lot of luck, so you can use them to depict moments of health and prosperity.
- Of course, you can also make symbols not related to the animal world. Faces of people, buildings, swords or spears, or other symbols useful in telling the story.
Step 3. Arrange the symbols in order
The story does not need to be told in chronological order. In totem poles, the most important symbol or figure stands at the base, being the closest point to people. Think about the symbols you want to include and available in order of meaning, starting with the most important.
Method 2 of 3: Totem Processing
Step 1. Collect some craft supplies
Traditional totem poles are hand carved from red cedar or Nootka cypress wood. If you want to make a totem that comes close to the authentic ones, you should look for long and voluminous pieces of this wood and engrave the symbols on the surface. However, you can build a totem pole for yourself or a school project out of simple craft supplies. Here's what you'll need:
- A cylindrical container for each symbol of the totem pole. You can recycle flour containers, coffee jars, or other types of containers.
- Brown wrapping paper.
- Scissors.
- A ruler.
- A pencil.
- Tempera or acrylic colors.
- Hot glue or vinyl glue.
Step 2. Measure and cut the paper
Each container must be covered with a sheet of wrapping paper. Measure the height and circumference of one of the containers, then use the ruler to draw the measurements on the sheet of paper. Cut the piece of paper and wrap it around the container making sure it is the right size. Then cut others of the same size, one for each container.
Step 3. Draw the symbols
Draw a symbol for each sheet of paper. Use the pencil to outline the animals, people or whatever else you have chosen to represent your story. Keep in mind that you will need to paint these designs.
- Do an online search to find images depicting authentic totem poles, and thus get an idea of the style of the designs. Symbols are usually simple but well defined.
- Many animals are traditionally depicted in profile. Sometimes only the head of an animal or person is shown, other times the whole body.
Step 4. Color the symbols
Now take the colors and choose which ones to use to make the designs stand out. Often intense and bright shades are used, in other cases the color is not even present. The most commonly used colors are red, yellow, white, black and bright blue. Let the paint dry thoroughly before moving on.
Step 5. Add unique details to your symbols
Adding shimmering gold to a frog drawing, for example, reinforces the animal's representation of health and good luck. You can also add special touches that have personal meaning for you.
- You could glue beads, shells, pebbles, feathers, leaves, and other materials to describe the story.
- Photos, mementos and souvenirs are also fine, if you're making a totem pole for your family or a historical event.
Step 6. Attach the designs to the containers
One at a time, wrap the designs around the individual containers, and seal the seams where the edges overlap with hot glue or vinyl. Use your fingers to hold the edges together until the glue has dried.
Cover the container on top of the totem pole with paper, or decorate it in some other way. By doing so you will not notice the void inside
Step 7. Stack the containers and glue them together
Use hot glue or vinyl glue to create an adhesive layer on the bottom container lid, and glue the next one on top. Keep putting glue on the lids and repeating the process until you're done.
Step 8. Let the totem dry
Leave it in a sheltered place for a few hours or overnight before touching it again.
Method 3 of 3: Using the Totem
Step 1. Stage your version of a Potlatch ceremony
During this traditional ceremony, performed by Native Americans, the totem pole was erected and consecrated while those present danced and sang. The host of the ceremony gave a gift to everyone in attendance, knowing that one day the favor would be returned. The raising of the totem pole was followed by great celebrations. If you want to celebrate a particular event symbolized by the totem, create a ceremony giving vent to your imagination.
Step 2. Tell the story about the totem pole
Using totem symbols as illustrations, tell the story of the person, family, or event that inspired you. Describe the meaning behind each symbol, and how it relates to the story you are telling. Keep the totem pole as a reminder of the little piece of history it represents.
