What does the picture above show? what purpose(s) do they have? how does wood grain relate to these pieces of cultural art?

Totem poles are intricate wood pieces with carvings of animals and shapes that are important, totem poles helps to mimic the texture of fur of the animals that are carved.

Totem pole

Explanation:

Totem poles are sculptures made by indiginous people, using figures of animals, objects and even people. For some tribes, totems serve to record the history of a group - considered a symbol of identity; for others, they are objects of worship in religious and social ceremonies, which include the exchange of gifts between indigenous leaders. Totems are also linked to the transformation of animals into people and vice versa, representing an ancestor who had this kind of ability. The wood grain of the wood relates to the texture of the fur or feathers of the animal represented.

It is estimated that the concept of totemism arose in prehistory with primitive man, who placed the skin of his fighters at the entrance to the cave to ask for the protection of nature and also to show his strength and power. Today, the few indigenous tribes that still make totems often sell them to collectors.

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