What does it mean to be low on the totem pole?

least important
Definition of low man on the totem pole : the person with the lowest rank : the least important or least powerful person.

Is it good to be low on the totem pole?

A “low man on the totem pole” is a person of no status or power, someone at the bottom of a hierarchy. According to Canadian naturalist Pat Kramer, an expert on First Nations culture, the lowest figures on the totem pole are often considered the most prestigious.

Is it better to be at the top or bottom of a totem pole?

But traditionally, the bottom figure on a totem pole is the most important one. The head carver is in charge of this portion of the totem (the bottom 10 feet) since it is most visible and more detailed than the higher regions [source: Totem Poles: An Exploration].

How do you read a totem pole?

Totem poles are read from top to bottom. The principal character, clan, orphratry symbol was placed on top. Following this are the characters and objects which recall the legend and at the base of the pole is carved the wife’s clan symbol. Carvers had no say in their work.

Does the order of a totem pole matter?

The figures on a totem pole are arranged from top to bottom, but the sequence of the figures is not an indication of their importance.

Can I say low man on the totem pole?

If you describe someone as the low man on the totem pole, you mean that they are the least important person in an organization or a group. He is a quality-control coach, the low man on the totem pole of the staff. Note: You can also just say that a person or their position is low on the totem pole.

What is the best position on a totem pole?

Given the complexity and symbolic meaning of the carvings, their placement and importance relies on the observer’s knowledge of the culture the totem reflects. According to Canadian naturalist, Pat Kramer—an expert on First Nations culture—the lowest figures on the totem pole are often considered the most prestigious.

What does a fish mean on a totem pole?

Fish were also used as clan animals in some Native American cultures. Among these tribes, it is worth nominating Creek, Chickasaw, and Ho-Chunk. Their crests were carved on totem poles and depicted salmon, sturgeon, or halibut. Fish is also a symbol of fertility.

What should I put on my totem pole?

The figures carved on a Totem pole might include a person, animals, birds or insects and might also display mythological and legendary images, usually Animal Spirits, whose significance was their association with the lineage of the tribe.

What do the animals on a totem pole stand for?

Animal Totems and symbols are carved and painted on to long wooden poles that represented the emblems of clans or families and relate to their belief in Totemism. Animal totems were believed to have spiritual significance and watched over the family, clan, or tribe symbolizing their guardian spirit or helper.

Who is low man on the totem pole?

someone who has the least important position in an organization: He started as the low man on the totem pole and worked his way up to be manager.

What animals represent on a totem pole?

Common figures found on totem poles include the raven (a symbol of The Creator), the eagle (representing peace and friendship), the killer whale (a symbol of strength), the thunderbird, the beaver, the bear, the wolf and the frog.