The Creation of a Totem Pole

The actual carving of a pole is an extensive and often collective project. It begins with finding an appropriate cedar tree. The trees used for this project should be large, first growth timber with no rot and minimal twists and limbs. Once a suitable tree is found, it harvested, has the back of it removed, and is hollowed to reduce the inner tension of the wood, and to prevent rot. The bark is then removed, using tools known as adzes. The log now becomes a pole and, it is smoothed out, again using adzes. A centre line is drawn, so the pole will be symmetrical, the sides of the pole are also measured to ensure that one end of the pole does not flair more then the other (Jensen, 1992).

Traditionally, artists did not pre sketch their plans for the artwork of the pole as most modern totem pole artist choose to do, the artists simply used their hands for measurement. Now that the pole is smooth and symmetrical the planned drawings are applied lightly to the pole using a grease mark pencil, once the artist is satisfied with the placement of the crests, they are drawn darker on the wood. The faces of the crests are always drawn first, because they take importance, bodies and limbs can be manipulated to the shape of the wood and fit between the different faces (Jensen, 1992).

When the cutting of the totem pole first begins, the artist removes the big chunks of wood, this is sometimes known as “cake cuts” (Jensen, 1992) modern totem pole artists use chainsaws for this job, which make it relatively efficient, traditionally, however this was a very demanding job, using knives made out of bone. Once the large pieces are removed, the figures are roughly shaped with an adze. It is now time to cut the add on features, such as fins, or wings that protrude from the totem pole, these pieces are cut from a separate piece of wood and shaped with care, so they appear to part of the same log, fitting snuggly with the rest of the carving.

At this time in the totem pole creating process, the figures are still in “block form” the artist now takes time, and great attention to detail, while they carefully round and sculpt the wood. Artists often use their hands to measure the depth of their carving; this is a traditional technique, modern totem pole artist use tools to do this task. In this stage in the creation, the artist often adds his or her own touches to the pole. Norman Tait, a modern totem pole carver developed his own style of carving his own crests with details of wrists, ankles, and fat toes, he also incorporates the traditional Nisga’a art style, by carving the faces with round foreheads, large noses and grinning mouths with almost no chin (Jensen 1992). In this way totem poles reflects not only the lineage, but also the artist’s personal style.

 The artists now use sharper, curved and straight knives, as they add the intricate details such as teeth, fur, and eyes. Totem poles can either be painted, or left their natural colour, when left without colour, artists cut v-shapes around the eyes to add emphasis (Jensen, 1992). In the smoothing stages, sand paper is never used, instead curved knives are used to cut millions of tiny cuts into the wood to give the pole texture.

In the final stages of creating a totem pole, the excess pieces, such as fins and wings are attached with great care, to create the allusion that they are part of the log.

Great consideration, throughout all processes is given to the respect of the wood; the wood needs to be reduced uniformly, not piece by piece. Modern carving of totem poles often includes the use of chainsaws, traditional tools however include sharpened clam or mussel shells, stone or bone, metal tools first began being used on poles when Europeans first arrived on the North West Coast, they were traded in exchange for furs salmon and other commodities.

The raising of a totem pole is a ceremonial affair. It is a chance for the artist to display something that they have been working on for months. Traditional raising of a totem pole requires large amounts of people, and a sturdy rope and pulley system, although modern ceremonies often use cranes. Carried on throughout the ceremony is rhythmic drumming to commence the raising of the pole, and once it is erect, singing and dancing begin. Family members, friends, relatives and neighboring tribes all gather for this special event.

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