Personal Symbolism

Name: Date:

Totem Pole ~Personal Symbolism~

Totem poles are carved from large trees, usually by the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. Totem poles represent many things, from individual people to their whole tribes. Some recount popular rand important stories, myths, or heroes.

Within each culture the symbols carved on the poles vary, but most use people and animals. In this case, you are going to be using animals to represent four aspects of who you are.

You are going to draw a totem pole that represents who you are.

Your totem pole is going to have three levels representing: Your Past: Something that guides you Your Present: Who you are at this moment Your Future: Your hopes and dreams Your Inspiration: Something that reminds you of who you want to be

 Step One: Answer the following questions using the attached “Common Animal Symbolism” for help  Animal that inspires you:

 Animal that represents your future:

 Animal that represents your present :

 Animal that represents your past:

 Step Two: Draw your totem pole. Remember:  a totem pole is a pole; each animal needs to be stacked on top of each other in order  a totem pole is carved from wood, so that animals do not need to look realistic, that can be as artistic as you want as long as we can figure out what animal it is . Note one Order:  The animal the represents your past is the base  Then you add the animal the represents your present on top of it, followed by the animal that represents your future  The animal that represents your inspiration goes on top

 Step Three: Write Up  Write a short essay (one to two paragraphs) explaining how your totem pole represents you.  Remember, while I am grading I will not have you in front of me to explain your totem pole – your write-up needs to be clear and make sense.