For example, “he Coast Salish of the Lower Fraser to carve house posts rather than single stand-alone poles,” where most clans carve single poles that suit an occasion or family. Different clans and regions will carve different types of poles depending on their inter-clan traditions. The way a pole is constructed also holds importance. The animals chosen to be in a specific totem pole carry great significance and demonstrate each culture’s interpretation of the spiritual meaning of the wildlife around them. The use of animals in totem poles is not only traditional, but it is also highly important. These communities are marked on the map below by a totem pole. The four clans that have a particularly rich history involving the totem pole are the Eyak, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures. Each aspect of a totem pole is as important and individualized as the animal it is based on. These totem poles are symbols of a community's history, values, and traditions, but not the base of a religion. 1 While this name provides an appealing mystery to the carvings, it is entirely inaccurate. The word “totem” is actually a misnomer that stems from totemism, which “was thought to be the primordial religion” of the communities which create totem poles. The spiritual representation of an animal is often embodied and eternalized through a totem pole. These meanings have translated into the identities for several Alaskan Native clans in the Southeast region. Each animal holds its own story and spiritual meaning. The tradition of stories being passed through families and communities spans generations, leading to much of the various clans’ unique identities. Alaskan Native communities heavily rely on animals for sustenance and inspiration, especially in regards to the bases of their social structure.
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