<P> Totem poles are monumental carvings , a type of Northwest Coast art , consisting of poles , posts or pillars , carved with symbols or figures . They are usually made from large trees , mostly western red cedar , by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America ( Washington , Oregon , and Canada 's western province , British Columbia ) . The word totem derives from the Algonquian ( most likely Ojibwe ) word o doodem ( oˈtuːtɛm ) , `` ( his ) kinship group '' . The carvings may symbolize or commemorate cultural beliefs that recount familiar legends , clan lineages , or notable events . The poles may also serve as functional architectural features , welcome signs for village visitors , mortuary vessels for the remains of deceased ancestors , or as a means to publicly ridicule someone . They may embody a historical narrative of significance to the people carving and installing the pole . Given the complexity and symbolic meanings of totem pole carvings , their placement and importance lies in the observer 's knowledge and connection to the meanings of the figures and the culture in which they are embedded . </P>
in what region of the united states were totem poles common forms of native american art
Northwest Coast