what is a totem pole wonderopolis
- See more at: http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-a-totem-pole/#sthash.46SyqnH8.dpuf. Totem poles are sculptures carved from large trees, such as the Western Red Cedar. In North America, totem poles are part of the cultures of many indigenous peoples of Alaska, British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.nother interesting type of totem pole is the shame pole. Shame poles are carved to embarrass and ridicule someone who has done something wrong. Shame poles are taken down once the person has made amends.