Stanley Park and totem poles (Throwback post)

Stanley Park, Vancouver

One of the main tourist spots in Vancouver is Stanley Park.  And with good reason.  We rented some bikes from EzeeRiders in Robson Street, one of many rental shops near to the entrance, and took a look around.

Stanley Park, Vancouver

Sat on the coastline, you can cycle around it quite easily, with nice views and the odd statue or bridge along the way to keep you interested.

There is an aquarium which is supposed to be quite good, but we were more interested in the totem park.



Stanley Park, Vancouver

The totem park has collected together a number of First Nations' totem and house poles.  The totem pole was normally placed in a prominent place for gatherings, whereas the house poles, as the name suggests, were placed either side of the doorway into a home.  The carvings on them usually specifically refer to, and sometimes depict, the occupants and their ancestors.



Stanley Park, Vancouver

When you see a collection, you can tell the difference because the house poles are flat and undecorated on the rear, which went up against the house wall, whereas the totem poles are carved and decorated all the way around.



Stanley Park, Vancouver



Vancouver

Stanley Park, Vancouver

Stanley Park, Vancouver



Vancouver MOA

We discovered more about the poles and the First Nation's traditions and culture at the Museum of Anthopology.  This was an excellent museum, and we could have spent days looking through the many drawers of artifacts about people and cultures around the world.



Vancouver MOA

Instead we took a short tour and focussed on the First Nations people of Canada.  It is an excellent museum and well worth a visit.






Vancouver MOA

Vancouver MOA



Vancouver MOA

Vancouver MOA

Vancouver MOA