Totem

£2.40

A greeting card for every day featuring a carved Inuit face in red, green, blue and natural wood.

– Blank inside for your own message
– Printed in the UK on premium card stock
– Supplied with a white envelope

In stock

SKU: C0206 Category:

Description

Totem

A greeting card for every day featuring a carved wooden Inuit face totem painted in red, green, blue, having a deep cultural significance.

Inuit totem poles are unique cultural artifacts created by the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic, specifically the Inuit communities in Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. While totem poles are more commonly associated with the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, the Inuit have their own distinct tradition of creating and using totem-like structures.

The History Of Inuit Totem Poles

The history of wooden Inuit face totems  dates back centuries, and their purpose and meaning have evolved over time. Traditionally, these poles were not as prominent or tall as the monumental totem poles found in other regions. Inuit totem poles were typically smaller and more portable, usually made from wood, bone, or antler.

Wooden Inuit face totem served various functions within the community. That is, the Inuit used then as markers, signposts, and navigational aids, guiding travellers across featureless Arctic landscapes.

Totem poles also played a role in spiritual and shamanic practices. The Inuit believed totems to possess supernatural powers and used them to communicate with spirits, ancestors, and the natural world. In this context, totem poles served as conduits between the human realm and the spiritual realm, bridging the gap between the visible and invisible worlds.

Symbols and Imagery

The symbols and imagery depicted on wooden Inuit face totem hold specific meanings and represent various elements of Inuit culture, mythology, and history. These symbols often include animals such as bears, whales, birds, and fish, each representing different qualities or attributes. For example, a bear might symbolise strength, courage, or protection, while a bird could represent freedom or spirituality.

Inuit totem poles were also created to commemorate significant events, honour ancestors, or mark important locations. That is, they served as visual narratives, telling stories and preserving cultural heritage. The carvings on the poles conveyed oral histories, legends, and personal experiences, ensuring their preservation and passing down from one generation to the next.

The word Totem

The word totem is the Native name for the symbol of a northwest North American tribal clan. They are visual descriptions of the stories and heritage of the clan. Europeans misunderstood the use of totem poles and missionaries destroyed or authorised the destruction of many of them.

That is a great pity because the art in the totems is distinctive and special. Luckily, there are carvers who continue the tradition today.

SKU: C0206

A carved Inuit face in red, green, blue and natural wood
Totem
£2.40