Totem poles are usually created by natives to represent family lineage or culture heritage. Many of the totem poles you see are made out of highly rot-resistant trunks from giant cedar trees. Many poles tell different myths or they relate experiences of ancestors or living people. There are lots of different symbols to represent different animals and plants. Not all totem poles are made with a definite purpose, they are simply artistic. This is a good example of how the intentions for their creation varies from creator to creator.