A Gitxsan pole (left) and Kwakwaka'wakw pole (right) at Thunderbird Park in Victoria, British Columbia. Totem poles are monumental sculptures, a type of Northwest Coast art, consisting of poles, posts or pillars, carved with symbols or figures. They are usually made from large trees, mostly western red cedar, by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America (Washington, Oregon, and Canada's western province, British Columbia).
gesÂ·ture. n. 1. a. A motion of the limbs or body made to express or help express thought or to emphasize speech. b. The action of making such a motion or motions: communicated solely by gesture.
2. the use of such movements to express thought, emotion, etc. 3. any action, communication, etc., intended for effect or as a formality; considered expression; demonstration: a gesture of friendship. 4. to make or use a gesture or gestures. 5. to express by a gesture or gestures.