Looking at Totem Poles

by Hilary Stewart

Magnificent and haunting, the tall cedar sculptures called totem poles have become a distinctive symbol of the native people of the Northwest Coast. The powerful carvings of the vital and extraordinary beings such as Sea Bear, Thunderbird and Cedar Man are impressive and intriguing.

Looking at Totem Poles is an indispensable guide to 110 poles in easily acessible outdoor locations in coastal British Columbia and Alaska. In clear and lively prose, Hilary Stewart describes the various types of poles, their purpose, and how they were carved and raised. She also identifies and explains frequently depicted figures and objects.

Each pole, shown in a beautifully detailed drawing, is accompanied by a text that points out the crests, figures and objects carved on it. Historical and cultural background are given, legends are recounted and often the carver's comments or anecdotes enrich the pole's story. Photographs put some of the poles into context or show their carving and raising.

This book is a companion volume to Hilary Stewart's enormously successful Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Native American, Indigenous, Canada, Travel

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guide to totem poles, this book explains the different types of poles and the meanings of the totems included. This book certainly encourages appreciation of this unique art form. Highly recommended.

[Bobsie67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific introduction to the wonderful totem poles of the Pacific northwest. So many stories, such great carvers. I love art of the native peoples of this area and was so thrilled to learn more about the cultures of the many peoples who create these significant family crests. Only wish the book was filled with color pictures of the totem poles. The drawings are excellent, although some detaisl for the larger totems poles are difficult to make out, so some additioanl drawings ilustrating these details would have been nice (yes, all of this would have driven up the cost of this book). What is also great is that the author gives you the location of each tote pole shown. As the book is a bit dated (early 1990's), some of these totems may no longer exist or may have been moved.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this for a Uni project where I was creating a Conservation Management Plan for the Totem poles of Totem Park in the MOA, Vancouver. It saved my project as it was filled with extremely helpful information for a complete newbie to the subject of First Nations poles. As a general reading book it was good to read too :) If someone was studying the topic in proper depth it may be lacking some information but I wouldn't be able to say what.

[Michelle Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional examination of totem poles. This includes pictures as well as illustrations where you're able to understand some of the symbols that are on different poles. Very, very informative and really a good read for those interested in better understanding indigenous practices of the northwest.

[K.D. Putnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times, I had a hard time understanding the context of the poles or even the drawings of them...but I chalk that up to my inexperience on the subject. By the end, I was having fun testing myself on the crests and story characters. This is one I'll read again!

[Scott Kovatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an artist and someone who respects spirituality this is an informative read.

[Jc]

Read 4 research!!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to look at totem poles. IT WORKED!