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A pole is a symbol of unity, tradition and pride. It represents a family's histories, relationships, stories, beliefs and
experiences. A pole shows animals and mythical figures associated with a family - they are called
crests. They were not religious
icons.
Although made before the arrival of Europeans (late 1700s), poles became increasingly popular during the 1800s. The fur trade
had made people wealthy, and encouraged greater displays of privilege and rank. Greater access to metal tools allowed artists to
carve cedar quickly and with more precision. Although pole production declined in the early 1900s, they continue to be made today,
commissioned by Native communities and produced commercially by artists.
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