Three totem poles, each 8 foot tall, are shown here. The totem poles were originated in the Pacific Northwest estimated in the late 19th Century. These poles were purchased from a dealer near Baltimore who had purchased them from a museum in Baltimore around 1975. The museum had obtained them from missionaries returning from the Pacific Northwest around 1920.
The poles are made from cedar and of varying design. They seem to be of Wrangell design. Similar designs from British Columbia up to Alaska can be found via Wickopedia and other internet sources.
Pole 1 has the figure with a potlatch hat on top. Potlatches were lavish festivals in which the Native American demonstrated his wealth. Multiple hats indicate multiple potlatches. Potlatches were banned in Canada in 1885 as they were viewed as anti-Christian. Missionaries commonly returned with these totem poles. The bottom figure is holding a salmon.
Pole 2 has 5 figures, which is personally my favorite. The middle figure represents a walrus, indicating origin from Alaska.The bottom figure is holding a fox.
Pole 3 has a large (~ 4 foot) salmon on the top. The salmon has some damage on one of the fins. The bottom figure also is holding a salmon.
Any information on the meanings and representation of this figures is welcomed!!
