totem pole

totem pole

noun

Definition of TOTEM POLE

1

: a pole or pillar carved and painted with a series of totemic symbols representing family lineage and often mythical or historical incidents and erected by Indian tribes of the northwest coast of North America

2

: an order of rank : hierarchy

Illustration of TOTEM POLE

First Known Use of TOTEM POLE

1880

Rhymes with TOTEM POLE

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totem pole

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Totem pole from Kitwancool Creek, B.C., Can.—W.E. Ferguson/Shostal Associates

Carved and painted vertical log, constructed by many Northwest Coast Indian peoples. The poles display mythological images, usually animal spirits, whose significance is their association with the lineage. Each figure represents a type of family crest. Some poles relate a family legend in the form of pictographs. Poles are erected to identify the owner of a house or other property, welcome visitors, indicate a portal or passageway, mark a gravesite, and even to ridicule an important person who failed in some way. See also symbol; totemism.