Land of the Totem Poles: Brief Characteristics of their Origin and Development on the Northwest Coast
2017
Abstract
The study describes the origin and development of totem poles on the American Northwest Coast in terms of their importance within material as well as immaterial culture of Native American people. It describes the area, its inhabitants and their habits from the perspective of cultural anthropology.
Further attention is paid to specific materials, technologies and practices of local carving. The last part of the study deals with the historical development of totem poles, including their new functions in contemporary society.
