Making totem pole requires a huge amount of time and effort. The intricate details required on how to make a totem pole reveals how much dedication the artist has incorporated into the task. Totem poles, in the perspective of the Native Americans, are known to be symbols of affluence and wealth, which is why totem pole carving usually requires excessive planning. In these tribes, their ideas on how to make totem poles are more personal as they try to inculcate their culture in these piece of art.They are more than home decorations. Learning tricks on how to build a totem pole would be good, especially for those who are assigned to make them as school projects. If asked “how do you make a totem pole?” you can refer to these article for answers!

Making Totem Pole - Raw Materials

In order to make a totem pole, the first crucial consideration is the selection of the tree that will be used. If it is to be patterned to the works of the Native Americans, especially those from the Northwest, cedar trees would be the best choice. Also, carving materials should also be prepared, along with the ideas as to how to make a totem pole out of wood.

Making Totem Pole - Designs

For a totem pole school project, one strategy of getting high grades would be the patterning of the designs to the symbols of the Native Americans. Though totem poles are not exclusive to Native Americans, their designs are one of a kind and have many meanings. Each symbol serves as a representation of Native American clans, beliefs, and culture. At the same time, these designs can also be patterned to the astrology of Native Americans.

Making Totem Pole - Steps

Now, after considering all the aesthetic details, and preparation of the tools, follows are the crucial steps on how to make a totem pole for a school project:

• Planning - in this stage, the people involved in the creation will aggregate their plans with regards to how to make a wooden totem pole. At this stage, a model should be made in order for the creators to already have an idea of the end product.
• Preparing the tree - one crucial job on how to make totem pole is the securing of the tree which will be the foundation of the whole thing. The chosen tree should then be cut down, branches should be trimmed out (some can remain intact depending on the design of the totem pole). The tree should already be free from its outer bark, and smooth enough for the carving stage.
• Carving stage - if you were to ask Native Americans how to carve a totem pole, they would most like direct you the tools they have used, such as the Adze, knives, gouges, and chisels. At the present time, though, we are already equipped with contemporary tools. For the carving, an outline should be made first. Then rough cuts are made in the crucial portions. The carving will flow from the bottom upward.
• Painting - this is to be done after all the carvings are done, with remnants of the cut woods removed already from the surface of the draft totem pole.
• Putting it Up - this should be done after all the paints have run dry. During the ancient times of Native Americans, this step is accompanied by ceremonies and rituals.

These steps are basically just suggestions. As an artist, you can incorporate your own style on how to make a totem. Totem poles are not subjected to limitation when it comes to putting designs, and even sizes. In contemporary times, non-Native American create totem poles as furniture at home.

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