A 50-foot totem pole will soon be erected at the Umana Yana, a national landmark which holds much significant for the indigenous people.
Totems or totem poles are monumental sculptures carved on poles, posts or pillars with a series of totemic symbols which represent family lineage, mythical or historical incidents specific to indigenous culture.
The concept to have a totem pole erected was initiated in 2015 through discussions on the preservation of indigenous culture in Guyana, the Ministry of Social Cohesion noted in a statement.
The erection of the totem pole was scheduled to be done during the commemoration of the nations’ 50th Independence celebration as part of the activities to celebrate the golden Jubilee. Award winning Guyanese sculptor Winslow Craig was commissioned to sculpt the 50 – foot pole made from bulletwood log which upon completion would be erected in the compound of the Umana Yana in September 2017, during the Amerindian Heritage Observances.
However, some setbacks were encountered and the pole was not planted as scheduled.
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton during his meeting with stakeholders decided that the process to have the totem pole planted must be expedited.
Minister Norton is expected to host a follow-up meeting during the month of March to determine definitive deadlines.
