One of the most recognizable cultural symbols of the Pacific Northwest, the totem pole, finds an unexpected home on the shores of Norway. 

This striking totem pole nestled in Nordnes Park is a gift from Seattle, Bergen's sister city, to celebrate the city's 900th anniversary in 1970. 

Totem poles are monumental creations by the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest, commemorating ancestry, histories, people, or events. Typically carved from red cedar, a malleable and abundant wood in the region, these poles were erected to be visible within communities. They often display beings or crest animals, marking a family's lineage and validating the powerful rights and privileges held by that family. Unlike a traditional narrative, totem poles document stories and histories familiar to the community members or specific family or clan members. 

As you stroll through Nordnes Park, take a moment to admire this unexpected greeting from across the globe. Nice view behind the pole is a pleasant bonus!