Pacific Northwest Totem Pole Art Lesson — Mortuary Pole & Folklore Exploration
 
Explore the rich art and culture of the Pacific Northwest with this authentic Totem Pole resource! Students learn about mortuary poles, the native folklore behind the eagle and the bear, and the cultural significance of these monumental carvings. Perfect as a prelude to hands-on totem pole projects or as a discussion-based art history lesson.
 
What’s Included:
Enlarged images of 3 authentic mortuary poles for print or digital display
Background information and facts on mortuary poles and their cultural significance
Native folklore story explaining the eagle and bear symbolism
8.5x11 reproducible for coloring, with an option to tile 5 sheets to create a larger image
Designed to complement our other Totem Pole resources and hands-on projects
Why You’ll Love It:
Provides authentic, culturally accurate examples of Pacific Northwest art
Engages students with storytelling, history, and symbolism
Works as a precursor to hands-on projects like toilet paper roll totems, paper mâché, or collaborative totems
Flexible for classroom discussion, art history lessons, or independent study
Encourages creativity while honoring cultural traditions