How Do You Spell TOTEM POLE?

Pronunciation: [tˈə͡ʊtəm pˈə͡ʊl] (IPA)

The word "totem pole" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈtoʊtəm poʊl/. In phonetic terms, the word begins with the "t" sound, followed by the long "o" sound, then the "t" and "m" sounds together, and finally, the "p" and "l" sounds. When pronounced correctly, the stress falls on the first syllable, "to", while the second syllable, "tem", is pronounced with a schwa sound. The word refers to a tall wooden sculpture carved by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, often depicting animals or spiritual symbols.

TOTEM POLE Meaning and Definition

1. A totem pole refers to a tall, vertical structure carved out of a tree trunk or pole and traditionally created by certain Indigenous cultures, particularly those of the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including tribes such as the Haida, Tlingit, and Kwakwaka'wakw. Serving as a significant artistic expression, a totem pole typically consists of a series of stacked figures or symbols, often representing various creatures, spirits, ancestors, or mythological beings, predominantly divided into three sections – the base, the shaft, and the top.

   These structures possess rich cultural and symbolic importance as they often convey stories, legends, clan lineage, cultural heritage, and beliefs of the Native American communities who craft them. Totem poles are not worshiped or considered as religious objects; rather, they serve as powerful visual narratives and symbols of identity, social cohesion, and tribal history.

   Often displaying intricate and detailed carvings, a totem pole exhibits a range of artistic styles and distinct motifs developed by different Indigenous communities over centuries. The carving process involves using specialized tools to chisel away at the wood, resulting in beautifully textured and adorned sculptures. Historically, totem poles were installed in special locations like village outskirts, communal gathering places, or ancestral cemeteries; nowadays, they may be found in museums, cultural centers, and outdoor spaces, serving as reminders and celebrations of Indigenous heritage and artistic traditions.

Common Misspellings for TOTEM POLE

• totempole
• rotem pole
• fotem pole
• gotem pole
• yotem pole
• 6otem pole
• 5otem pole
• titem pole
• tktem pole
• tltem pole
• tptem pole
• t0tem pole
• t9tem pole
• torem pole
• tofem pole
• togem pole
• toyem pole
• to6em pole
• to5em pole
• totwm pole

Etymology of TOTEM POLE

The word "totem pole" has an etymology originating from the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America, particularly the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes. The term "totem" comes from the Ojibwe or Algonquin language and means "a family or clan emblem". The word "pole" refers to the tall, vertical posts on which the totem carvings are traditionally mounted.

Idioms with the word TOTEM POLE

• the low man on the totem pole The idiom "the low man on the totem pole" refers to someone who holds the lowest status or authority in a particular group or organization. It symbolizes being at the bottom of a hierarchy or ranking system, often implying less influence, power, or importance compared to others.
• low on the totem pole The idiom "low on the totem pole" is used to describe a person or thing that holds a lower rank or position within a hierarchical system or organization. It implies that the individual or object has less authority, influence, or importance compared to others. The phrase originates from the totem poles created by Native American tribes, where the higher a figure is placed on the pole, the more significance it holds.
• low man on the totem pole The idiom "low man on the totem pole" refers to a person who holds the lowest position in a group or organization, usually indicating that they have the least authority, influence, or prestige. It suggests that this individual has the least power and is often assigned the most undesirable or menial tasks. The idiom originates from the totem poles, which are artistic structures in some Native American cultures that depict a hierarchy of clan or family members, with the highest-ranking individuals positioned at the top.
• high man on the totem pole The idiom "high man on the totem pole" refers to someone who holds a position of high authority or importance within a group or organization. It originated from the Native American totem poles, where the figure at the top represents the most significant or respected individual. Therefore, being the "high man on the totem pole" implies being in a position of power or prestige.