Totem Poles

Pole: a long thin straight piece of wood or metal, especially one with
the end placed in the ground, used as support
Heraldry, the science and the art that deal with the use, display, and
regulation of hereditary symbols employed to distinguish individuals,
armies, institutions, and corporations. Those symbols, which originated
as identification devices on flags and shields (escudo/proteo), are
called armorial bearings. Strictly defined, heraldry denotes that which
pertains to the office and duty of a herald; that part of his work dealing
with armorial bearings is properly termed armory. But in general usage
heraldry has come to mean the same as armory
Coat of arms, the principal
part of a system of hereditary symbols dating back to early medieval Europe,
used primarily to establish identity in battle. Arms evolved to denote family
descent, adoption, alliance, property ownership, and, eventually, profession.
Alternative Titles: armorial bearings, shield of arms =

Totem: an animal o other natural object that is chosen and respected as a

special symbol of a tribe or family; especially among Native Americans ; an
image of animal
Totem pole: a tall wooden pole that has symbols and pictures (called totems)
carved or painted on it, traditionally made by Native Americans.