Make a Totem Pole from a paper towel tube.
Totem poles are made by the Tlingit Indians of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. Traditionally, each Totem Pole tells the story of a Native American family’s ancestral spirits and family history (pictured in human and animal form). They depict the spirits as people, mythical beasts, and wildlife treasured by the Tlingit Tribe. These huge, wooden poles often show the: bald eagle, moose, beaver, otter, mountain goat, wolf, whale, porpoise, seal, sea lion, and salmon.
- A paper towel tube
- Crayons, tempera paint, or markers
- Brown construction paper (a few sheets)
- Scissors
- Tape, White glue
- Optional – 2 popsicle sticks
Instructions
You can either use a template or or draw your own totems freehand. There are two templates you can use.
For a template with rectangles for four faces (and a strip for wings), click here. Cut along the thick vertical line (and continue the cut to the edges of the paper – do not cut off the margins of the paper). In each of the small rectangles, the student will draw an animal head. Use the long strip on the right for wings or other add-ons.
If you are not using a template: Wrap a piece of construction paper around a paper towel tube to see what size paper you will need.
Trim the paper to the right height and width (allow about a half-inch overlap around the tube so you can glue the edges more easily).
Divide the paper into 4 or more horizontal sections. Have the child draw a different animal head in each section. Put most of the facial details in the middle of each section.
If you’re working with a group of children, you can cut the paper into sections and have each child draw one face.
Wrap the heads around the paper towel tube and glue the seams.
Draw wings or arms for some or all of the animals. Cut them out and decorate them. Then glue them to the back of the Totem Pole.
Optional: Glue 2 popsicle sticks to the base so that your Totem Pole stands upright. Hot glue works well for this.