Totem Poles were a way for Native American Indians to express themselves. They would carve different animals and symbols that represent them. They would then leave them blank or color them with colors that have special meanings. Black means power. Yellow means happiness. Every color has a different meaning. Totem poles were usually carved from a western red cedar tree. They range from about 8 feet tall to 173 feet tall. Authentic totem poles cost $500 per foot. Not many ancient totem poles still exist because of decay and rot, but some are still found and sold to collectors. Many people believe they are religious but this is wrong. The carvings on a totem pole are a way for Native Americans to express themselves and represent a tribe’s history.