Trees That Tell Stories

 Trees That Tell Stories

    When you visit a library, you find many interesting stories on the shelves. If you lived in the Northwest, you could find stories in a different kind of library—a library made from a tree. The tree is called a totem pole and has figures of animals, such as bears, whales, and wolves, carved into it. The stories are "read" from top to bottom.

    Most totem poles are carved from cedar trees, which grow straight and have wood that is soft and easy to carve. Insects do not like cedar trees, and the trees do not rot. A totem pole carved from cedar can last 100 years or more.

    For many years, Native Americans in the Northwest have created totem poles. In fact, totem poles were used long before writing. In the past, they were used to tell stories of battles and important events. Today, the stories on a totem pole tell legends and myths. The pole is one way for these tales to be passed down through the ages.

    Most carvers begin their ideas on paper, and then they sketch lines on the log to guide them as they work. Next, they cut shapes into the wood while chanting to provide a rhythm for the cutting motions. Like the stories, these chants have been passed down through the ages. When the carving is complete, the totem pole is covered entirely with paint.