Totem Poles: These Interesting Carvings...

We had to read a text on strictly totem poles. It had very few words compared to the density of other texts this quarter. I found it trite and hard to relate to. However, I present you with this gem from my paper. Enjoy.

One of the most important things the totem pole book does is to remind us that totem poles were constructed in their own context and space of history. This is both cultural context, and the context of the individual. “More problematical still are the ideas or symbolic meanings of the forms and their interrelationships with other aspects of Indian culture – religion, mythology, social organization – which constituted the context within which this sculpture was created and used” (p. 1). In order to gain representation of both contexts, the book makes it clear that, “…to know exactly what a totem pole signified it would be necessary to ask both its owner and the carver what they had intended it to mean” (p. 18). However, I would argue that some of the cultural context behind a totem pole can be ascertained by understanding some tribal lore and characteristics. Plus, it is important to remember that, “In reality, the unknown Indian carver, too, was a unique individual creating personal artistic statements within a tradition or set of rules governing the creation” (p. 34). Knowing basics about these rules helps us to glimpse at individual context. Overall, “we can also appreciate their art and the other things they make as windows through which to look into other worlds” (p. 6). The one major caveat this “window” per se is also remembering that American Indians do not share everything with non-American Indians (p. 9). Likely in many respects, keeping some things hidden helps white folks avoid getting a full perspective, which may to a certain extent shield American Indians from some of the romanticism Alexie spoke about. In my mind, this sacred privacy is very much justified and stimulates a natural sense of mystery and intrigue when viewing totem poles.

Look for more posts coming out here shortly -- we had six papers due in the later half of our week. I'm more learn-ed now. :)