TOTE

M TOW

ERS

TOTEM HISTORY• Created by the Natives

of the north west• First known totem poles

identified by European settlers in the late 1700’s

• Served several functional purposes:•Structural support poles for long houses (House posts)•Burial container/headstone (Mortuary pole)

TOTEM POLES

• Carved out of one log, usually red cedar

• Honored important people of the tribe and told the story of their family

• Also commemorated important events within the family or tribe.

• Images used are symbolic of the stories and family traits not direct representations.•Each family was represented by a crest

TOMMY JOSEPH

http://tommy-joseph.blogspot.com/

Native Alaskan Artist

Sitka, Alaska

CHALLENGE:

• Create a totem sculpture that represents you at this point in your life.

• Requirements:•3 composition sketches,•5 or more objects• Free standing•Use any hand building skill• “in the round”

WEDNESDAY 10/1/14

Wheel Group:

Get started on the wheel.

**You should have at least 2 pieces by this point.**

Totem Towers Group:

Sketches are due.

• Get sketches approved by Mrs. Kelley.

• Start constructing the individual pieces, do not attach yet.