A totem pole is traditional art object made by First Nations people living on the Pacific Northwest coast.
Carvers are highly skilled and respected artists.
No matter where or why totem poles are raised, they always remind people who see them of the enduring presence of First Nations people in this region. Most totem poles are raised with great ceremony. When the uncarved end is placed in the hole, some people pull with strong ropes while others push from below with long poles, raising the pole in stages, to the accompaniement of drumming, singing and dancing. A particularly fine pole calls for praise, criticism and comparison, enhancing the status of the owner and the reputation of the carver. Feasting and potlatching follow in celebration, as one more carved monument stands tall and splendid against the sky.