Color guide for totem pole enthusiasts.Majestic spires, reminders of ages past, pierce the Northwest Coast forest. These totem poles, as well as ones now in parks and museums, are a medium through which modern day anthropologists can learn much about the past cultures of the great Northwest Coast Indian tribes. The carved figures on the totem poles illustrate a multitude of fascinating myths and tribal traditions. Majestic spires, reminders of ages past, the carved figures of totem poles pierce the coastal forests. A medium through which modern-day anthropologists can learn much about the history of Northwest Coast tribal cultures, these totem poles illustrate a multitude of fascinating myths and traditions. First written for an obscure U.S. government publication in 1932, renowned Canadian anthropologist Marius Barbeau's classic work on the history of the development and significance of Northwest Coast totem pole art is now updated with beautiful color photographs

Reg Ashwell, who was born and raised in close proximity to several of the Native cultures he writes about, outlines the history of the tribal arts unique to each group, and conveys to the reader his enduring respect for people whose societal heritage and customs were, in many cases, nearly brought to the edge of extinction.

David Hancock's profile page

Marius Barbeau's profile page