The humans, animals and supernatural beings carved on the pole are called
crests. They generally represent a family's ancestors
or the supernatural beings those ancestors encountered. The family inherit the right to represent these crests on their pole as symbols
of identity and records of their family history.
Crest art is everywhere on the Northwest Coast - carved on poles and masks, woven into fabrics, painted onto boxes and tattooed
onto the body. They are closely linked with First Nations'
political and social systems, and are displayed during potlatches and other
ceremonies.
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