totem pole

• Grand poteau en bois sculpté et peint, orné d'une série de figures symboliques, traditionnellement créé par les peuples autochtones de la côte nord-ouest de l'Amérique du Nord. Il représente souvent l'histoire familiale, les croyances culturelles ou des événements importants.

A tall wooden post or pillar carved and painted with a series of symbolic figures, traditionally created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. It often represents family history, cultural beliefs, or important events.

1. Carved monumentB1formal

   A tall wooden post carved with symbols or figures, created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.

   mât totémique

   • The museum displayed a beautifully carved totem pole from the Haida tribe.
   • Totem poles often tell stories of family history and legends.
   • Visitors admired the intricate designs on the totem pole.

2. Hierarchy or rankingB2informalamerican

   Used metaphorically to describe a system of ranking or order, often in a social or organizational context.

   échelle hiérarchique

   • He is at the bottom of the corporate totem pole.
   • In this company, seniority determines your place on the totem pole.
   • She worked her way up the totem pole to become a manager.