Tiki or Totem Pole


Minnesota K-3 Visual Art Standards Used in This Lesson:

  • 1. Identify the elements of visual art including Color, line, shape, Form, Value, texture and space.

  • 2. Identify the tools, materials and techniques from a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Identify the characteristics of visual artworks from a variety of cultures including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 4. Create original two- and three- dimensional artworks to express ideas, experiences or stories.

  • 5. Share and describe a personal artwork and reflect on a presentation based on the feedback of others.

  • 6. Compare and contrast the characteristics of a variety of works of visual art.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Native American History
  • Polynesian History
  • Drawing skills

    • Images of Native American Totem Poles and Polynesian Tiki Totems are shown in class as inspiration. Note is made of big eyes, teeth, expressions, patterns, and symmetry.

    A short clip (from Brother Bear) that speaks of native american spirit guides is also shown.

    Students fold their paper in half to make it tall and skinny, then follow the teacher as he demonstrates how to draw tiki or totem poles. See image from chalk board and student example below.





    The next class, students are given a tall brown paper and colored paper scraps to cut out eyes mouths and patterns.



    Brother bear clip