Final answer:
Totem poles in the Pacific Northwest are primarily used to recount clan lineage, serve as historical records, and symbolize socio-economic status. They are integral to potlatches and totemism, reflecting a clan's ancestral history and identity through symbolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Totem poles in the Pacific Northwest primarily recount b) Clan lineage, depicting the ancestral history and important events within a clan or family's past. These poles express clan identity and are rich in symbolism, representing connections to ancestors, animals, and plants.
One significant socio-political ceremony in the Pacific Northwest is the potlatch, where totems play a role in demonstrating hosts' wealth and status, which is measured by their generosity rather than their possessions. In this context, the totem pole not only carries historical significance but also serves as a testament to the socio-economic status of the family or individual associated with it.
Moreover, artwork and crests on totem poles and other items define kinship and spirit powers, often portraying real and imaginary animals that are legacy symbols passed from ancestors to descendants. Totems are a central aspect of the belief system called totemism, where groups identify a spiritual connection with a plant or animal, essentially viewing themselves as part of a unified web of life that includes various species.