Front facade of Klemtu big house with welcoming carving and totemic figures, mid-coast British Columbia

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The Big House was constructed in 2005 in the style of the original traditional long houses of the Tsimshian First Nations and is used by the community in celebrations, traditional dances and memorials. The front of the building is decorated with 4 totemic figures representing the four different kinship groups of Klemtu, each of which has a legendary relationship with the totemic figure. Indeed, the word "totem" refers to a symbolic relationship existing between natural phenomena (usually animals) and humans. It is the archetypal symbol, animal or plant, of hereditary clan affiliations. People from the same clan have the same clan totem and are considered immediate family. In this view you can see the four figures representing: Eagle: Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige (upper left) Raven: Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light (upper right) Wolf: Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family (lower right) Killer whale: Traveler & Guardian - Symbol of Good (lower left)

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Size: 3600px × 2400px
Location: Klemtu big house, Klemtu village, Swindle Island, mid-coastal British Columbia
Photo credit: © Terry Allen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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