An ordinary Cedar tree is transformed into a unique totem pole! In 2013, from August 21 to October 5, Cowichan First Nations carved this meaningful gift for the city of Cologne.
In their tradition, it symbolizes a signpost: it offers protection, strength and wisdom. Over several weeks, a thunderbird, a bear, a she-wolf and two salmon took on their wooden form - they symbolize the close connection between humans and nature.
The Cologne totem pole has been standing in the garden of the Children's Hospital in Amsterdamer Straße since mid-November 2014. There, it constantly reminds all patients, relatives and staff of the natural cycles of life and serves as a constant source of encouragement.
This campaign was made possible by the generous support of Globetrotter Cologne.
Watch this YouTube video to learn more
The Canadian master carver Harold Joe from Duncan, Vancouver Island, together with his assistant George Rice, made the first Cologne totem pole from a Giant Red Cedar, over 100 years old.
The tree had grown in a forest near Dormagen and had to be felled due to trunk rot. Thanks to the support of the Schutzgemeinschaf Deutscher Wald, the trunk could be made available for our campaign.
.jpeg)
The animals took shape on the totem pole over several weeks. As such, it stands for the close connection between nature and man.
As soon as the two of them start working on the trunk of the beautiful tree, passers-by stop and marvel. Many of them pick up a carving knife themselves and, under the expert guidance of Uncle Harold, are shown how best to carve the intended figures. Children, in particular, stop enthusiastically and persuade the master carvers to help out themselves.
The two Cowichans feel the warmth and the continuing interest in their work and in the ancient forests of Canada's west coast by the people of Cologne. They are pleased to be able to pass on a piece of their endangered culture through this project, and to be able to draw attention to the threats that the forests of their home are facing.
.jpeg)
The totem pole for Cologne-campaign fills us with pride. Together, we have set an example for forest protection in the middle of Cologne's pedestrian zone. So that no one won't ask: "Where is the rainforest?"
Jenin Ziemens
Environmental Ambassador
Globetrotter Cologne
German Forest Protection Association
Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum
Children's Hospital Amsterdamer Straße
and the master carvers, as well as the many volunteers who accompanied this wonderful carving campaign for six weeks.
