The Art of Totem Poles | L'art de totems

In the Haida culture, the cedar tree is known as the 'tree of life'. Traditionally, when babies were born, they were placed in cedar boxes. When people died, their bodies were also placed in cedar boxes. The bark of the trees has many other uses as well. It can be woven into ropes, baskets and hats. These trees are also used for one of the well-known symbols of Haida culture - totem poles. Haida totem poles tell a story through the representation of human, animal and supernatural figures. We spoke with Haida carver Tyler York to learn more about this incredible tradition.

Music by Patrick Watson​

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Dans la culture haïda, le cèdre rouge (ou thuya) est appelé « arbre de la vie ». Traditionnellement, on couchait les nouveau-nés dans une boîte en cèdre. Les défunts, eux aussi, trouvaient le repos dans des boîtes en cèdre. Cet « arbre de la vie » était aussi utilisé d’une foule d’autres façons ; l’écorce pouvait être tressée en cordes, en paniers et en chapeaux, tandis que le bois lui-même servait à tailler le plus connu des symboles de la culture haïda : le mât totémique. Les mâts haïdas racontent tous une histoire grâce à des représentations d’animaux, d’humains et de créatures surnaturelles. Nous avons parlé au sculpteur haïda Tyler York pour en apprendre plus sur cette incroyable tradition.

Musique par Patrick Watson

[rupeshshah]

The sound of the carving is satisfying

[russellking]

i am Maori ...i live down here in NewZealand...know very little about your people but as an indigenous person i feel we have a lot in common...

[ricardocervantes]

I love the music at the end of this video. Is someone familiar with it, and know the title?

[michaelnadeau]

love your collective works. Wish more people could connect with it. So cool!!

[chantelstork]

deep respect as learning pray with water as fell ill virus 19 blessing pray health, learning native ways medicine wheel x

[RichardWilson-rr]

Nine crests for R4, no one clan accumulated 20plus crests. Haida.

[hotelbastard]

I believe a Totem feeds two with, a reason to leave, and a reason to come back.

[halnelson]

Sure the singing and the dancing is very powerful but with a totem espacially. Indigenous canaanites and hebrews used to do totems as well but monotheism doesn't tolerate anything but kept the animals of the tribes and the bible speak a lot about poles and totem trees called ashera.

[JesusChrist-zwyh]

Im watching this just because of school

[banditlife]

near the end this started to feel like a horror movie

[danilojrazusada]

I have totem pole bottle opener. How much if i sell it?

[guacomolio]

another comment is right it does kinda feel like a horror movie at the end