FROM THE ROAD: TOTEM POLE CITY
Ketchikan, Alaska, is a city of totem poles. Examples of these massive pieces carved by the Tlingit Indians are scattered throughout the city. The totem poles are not just works of art, as they are used today, but represent various purposes in the Tlingit culture. The story of these giants is told at the Totem Heritage Center. You can find a good explanation of the totems there: "Traditionally, totem poles were carved to honor important individuals, commemorate significant events, and to proclaim the lineage and social standing of their owners. They are tangible references to the people, events, stories, and legends that figure in the oral histories of Northwest Coast Native peoples. As such, they have great cultural important; but they are not religious objects, and they have never been worshipped." Only the carvers know for sure their significance.
Ketchikan, Alaska, is a city of totem poles. Examples of these massive pieces carved by the Tlingit Indians are scattered throughout the city. The totem poles are not just works of art, as they are used today, but represent various purposes in the Tlingit culture. The story of these giants is told at the Totem Heritage Center. You can find a good explanation of the totems there: "Traditionally, totem poles were carved to honor important individuals, commemorate significant events, and to proclaim the lineage and social standing of their owners. They are tangible references to the people, events, stories, and legends that figure in the oral histories of Northwest Coast Native peoples. As such, they have great cultural important; but they are not religious objects, and they have never been worshipped." Only the carvers know for sure their significance. 
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