House number totem - WIP

**Robson Valley** · 13th March 2016, 02:41 PM

That is a work of art and heritage. What a pleasure to see it done, the totems are part mine and part yours.
You got the left/right symmetry done well. That matters to me a lot.
I hope only that it is well-enough anchored that theft would be difficult and tedious.
Cripple the SOB that tries.

There is a tradition that poles are never to be stood up, if and when they fall over. Here in the PacNW for cedar, that's a century or more.
My brother carved a pole for my summer house, maybe 1990, 3m x 60cm. Two big figures, my kids.
Summer 2015, the top half of the top figure has rotted off. Everybody knows that it must sit and decompose as nature decides.

**HuonPhil** · 13th March 2016, 04:27 PM

Thanks RV.
There are a couple of pieces of 25mm rebar in the base, concreted into a deep plinth, and a bolt through the fence. I'd be kind of flattered (and extremely angry) if someone tried to steal it. However, I think it will take long enough to get out of the ground that someone is going to become aware.
I really like the idea of leaving the totem untouched if/when it falls over. As long as it doesn't fall over the drive and stop me coming and going!

**Robson Valley** · 13th March 2016, 04:44 PM

The real totem poles, with totems of the family in the house, were stood in front, facing the river/ocean. With 6,000-12,000 years of heritage on the PacNW coast,
they figured that by the time the pole fell over, all that needed carving was a mortuary pole or two.
Personally, I like the idea. What's done once is done forever. There's no need to patch things up.

The other thing you did that I like is the color. The pole will be visible for many miles. Landmark that others will measure from.

**cobalt32** · 13th March 2016, 08:49 PM

Brilliant love it
think the posty will know your place without reading the address
these things should be personalized just go to show how the interest in American native art has spread and influenced others
the book is very good I use it for reference

**HuonPhil** · 14th March 2016, 07:20 AM

If the posty came down our road I'm sure he would at least be glad for the break in monotony. Unfortunately when you live off the main road in rural southern Tasmania the posty doesn't come your way.

I am looking forward to telling people, 'turn into Beach Road and look for the totem!'

Thread: House number totem - WIP

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Similar Threads

The Beginning of a Totem Project 2

The Beginning of a Totem Project

Totem or not a Totem

House Number Plate

Posting Permissions