Indian Lore is a
popular sideline among many Arrowmen. It provides a way for us to show
our creativity and learn about Native American culture in the process.
The totem pole committee works together to carve and erect totem poles
at our council camps. There are not many committees within the lodge
that can say what they work on will be around for years to come, or that
what they do will be noticed when seen and add a unique atmosphere to
the surroundings. The totem pole committee is able to say both of these
without hesitation.
Getting Started - It takes time to carve a totem pole,
but when many hands are involved the overall time for a finished pole is
reduced significantly. You will begin learning about and carving totem
poles at your very first meeting. The tools necessary will be provided.
All you need is a willing spirit and a bit of imagination. If you are
interested please contact the
Excerpt from Lodge Rules - Totem poles are developed to
depict supernatural beings, representing the ancestry of Indian clans,
and never to evoke religious awe. Thus in carving poles, remember to use
imaginary and make believe images. All poles carved by the totem pole
committee should be well planned and designed to evoke supernatural
thoughts. Training sessions on design and sculpture should be held
before starting a pole. When finished it should stand and represent an
idea of make believe. Beads are available from the lodge secretary.
Accomplishments in 2010
Totem Pole Segment for Section Conclave - The 2010
section conclave was held at Seven Ranges Scout Reservation.
The pole is located at the entrance to Sippo lodge's callout site.
During the conclave three members of Cuyahoga Lodge helped to
assemble the pole. The bottom of the segment starts about seven feet
from the ground.
Repaint 2 Poles at Entrance to Ceremony Site - The two
white totem poles at the entrance were originally from the ceremony
site at Camp Belden. In 2004, they were refurbished and
erected as a project for Brotherhood candidates. This year they
received a fresh coat of paint.
Prepared Large Pole for Carving - In 2009, a large black
cherry tree was blown down at the Foxes Run campsite. While clearing
the site the tree was harvested and stored under the shelter. This
year the tree was completely striped of bark to ready it for
carving. It is hoped that this will eventually become a Brotherhood
Pole at the ceremony site.
Accomplishments in 2009
Totem Pole Segment for Section Conclave - The 2009
section conclave was held at Camp Stigwandish. The pole was erected
in the camp's dining hall and our segment is located at eye level.
Smaller Pole for Trail to Ceremonial Grounds - One small
pole was completed from scratch and stored in the OA Building until
a suitable location can be found.
Accomplishments in 2008
Section Conclave Totem Pole Segment - In 2008 the annual
Conclave was held at Camp Arrowhead in Ona, WV. In preparation for
the event a segment was carved and painted for our Lodge. This
segment is located in a prominent position at the bottom of the 2008
Conclave Pole.
Moved and Restored Loggers Day Pole
- This was an ambitious project that took over 120 man-hours to
complete! The pole was originally located at the ceremonial
grounds and was both leaning and in disrepair. Many people helped to
lower the pole and move it to behind the OA building where it could
be restored. At August Ordeal in 2008 the pole was raised again in
front of the newly acquired OA building.
Added Segment to 2007 Conclave Pole - In 2007, the Section
Conclave was held at Beaumont, but a segment for our Lodge was not
completed to add to the pole. A small group of Arrowmen met and
constructed a segment. At the Fall Fellowship in 2008 the pole was
lowered, the new segment attached to the top, and then raised with
the help of other lodge members. The pole is located at the entrance
to Cub World.
Future Projects
Restore Totem Pole Segment at the Geauga County Fairgrounds
- A Conclave was held at the Geauga County Fairgrounds a number of
years ago. A totem pole with a segment from Cuyahoga Lodge was
erected during this event. This segment is in need of restoration.
Restore Vigil Honor Pole - The Vigil Honor Pole, located
at the ceremonial grounds, was made in the late 1970's and is in
need of restoration. The original top for the pole has decayed and
is no longer visible. The paint has faded or is flaking off.
The plan is to lower the pole for cleaning and restoration. Then add
a large triangle to the top and raise it back into position.
New Brotherhood Pole - At the Ceremonial Grounds we have
Ordeal and Vigil Honor totem poles, but nothing for Brotherhood. It
is appropriate that we should add a Brotherhood Pole.
Move and Restore Ordeal Pole - The Ordeal Pole, located
at the ceremonial grounds, was made in the early 1970's. There are
plans to revise the layout of the ceremonial grounds and the pole
will need to be moved. It was restored at least once and is
still in pretty good shape after all these years. Since the
pole will be coming down to be moved, it makes sense to repair any
problem areas and repaint the pole.
Background
- The totem pole originated among tribes in the Pacific Northwest Coast
ranging from Washington through British Columbia and into Alaska. The
wood used was typically red or yellow cedar, but other trees were also
put to use. Totem poles were never created as religious symbols or
ritualistic objects. The early missionaries thought this to be the case,
but when villages relocated they would leave the poles behind to rot and
decay. The individual carvings on a pole could mean many things. They
could give a family history, show lineage of a clan, tell a story, or be
an artistic creation. Some were built as a central decoration or as the
main support of village meeting houses. There is no set importance
placed on where a carving is located on the pole. A key figure could be
placed at the top, bottom or even somewhere in the middle. A potlatch,
which is a festival or cermony, is held when totem poles are raised.
Poles are typically not raised using modern technology, but with the
strength and help of all members in the community. When the pole is in
place the master carver performs a dance and is formally paid for their
efforts. Some believe that poles should weather and decay since nature
intended that everything have a life and death. Others maintain a pole
so that it will be around for future generations to see. For more
information you can follow the links below, search the internet or visit
your nearest library.