totem pole
A sculpturally carved mast with stacked emblematic figures in the traditions of the Northwest Coast of North America.
A totem pole is a sculpturally carved mast, usually made of wood, in the style of the indigenous peoples of the northwest Pacific coast of North America. It depicts several figures, usually animals with some emblematic meaning for the group which creates the pole, stacked on top of each other.
Very often one of the uppermost figures will extend perpendicularly from the mast, such as an eagle with spread wings; however this is not a necessary feature of a totem pole.
The figures and their cultural meaning distinguish the pole from a plain flagpole or sign support. Projecting wings or other perpendicular elements can occur but are not required.