To raise a pole you first have to dig a hole where the pole is to be set. Then a scaffolding is built over the hole to allow you to raise the pole and control how it moves during the raising process. There were several lines connected to the pole to control it. Raising a pole could take hundreds of people depending on the size of the pole. The raising could be broken into small events, if this is the case then braces were needed to prevent the pole from falling or shifting during these breaks in activity. Finally after the pole is raised up and in place large rocks (as large as a single man could carry) are placed all around the base and in the hole to hold the pole in place.
HOW TO MAKE A TOTEM POLE (CONTINUED) more -->
rough work stage
Used with permission, copyright Roy Henry Vickers.
At this stage if the bark and limbs were not removed earlier they are removed now. This stage entails the removal of the sapwood of the tree and the rounding out of the shape of the pole. If the pole was too heavy or had a special purpose that required major modification the wood was shaped and/or removed now. Then before the rough draft work was done the pole was hidden from the public so the final product was revealed when the artist wished and not sooner. Now the artist creates the design in their head (within the guidelines of the commissioner). All designs are freehand drawn on the wood in charcoal. Each stage of the design is worked on in succession, with designs at the base being done first and then working up the pole. During the rough carving process the wood is kept damp so it doesn't dry out and crack.
fine work stage
Used with permission, copyright Roy Henry Vickers.
After the rough portions were carved out, the carver then concentrated on the finer details. Carvers use careful precision to capture the textured appearance that enhances the figures. During this stage, the characters are brought to life. At this stage, different tools were used.
painting
Used with permission, copyright Mike Dangeli.
Some groups painted their poles while others did not. The two most common colors on the Northwest Coast totem poles are red and black. These colors have different significance and meaning among First Nation people. However, other colors like green, yellow and brown were used depending upon availability. Prior to contact, natural substances like salmon eggs and charcoal were used to create an assortment of colors.
carrying the pole
This is the part of the process that everyone is involved in. The community as a whole is invited to participate in the carrying of the pole from the workshop to its home. The procession is accompanied by singing and dancing. The carver walks at the back of the procession proud of his achievement.
raising the pole
the celebration
A family hosts a large gathering to celebrate many important events and activities such as Totem Pole Raising. In the past this was hosted by a chief but in the modern era things have changed. The purpose is to acknowledge all those people who contributed in any way, either they fell the tree, they provided boat transportation, carried the pole, sang ceremonial songs, recited blessings, invited people, and cooked the food, etc. After the feast, invited guests then return to their own homes to relate to others what they had witnessed.
A Chief, chief's family representative, or a group of chiefs usually welcome guests by dancing a welcome dance. Chiefs usually wear elaborately carved headdresses or frontlets that display family crest images. The dance signifies the chief's peaceful intentions.
In most NWC cultures, dancers wear beautifully woven button blankets, vests, tunic, aprons and leggings that display their family crest images. Buttons and bright sequins boldly outline family crest images. These ceremonial regalia replaced the more traditional fur blankets and woven cedar capes and dresses. Regalia are worn only during ceremonial events and are treated with the utmost respect.
