Mesolithic Wild Animal Totem Post

These wooden panels represent the animals that lived in the forests during the mesolithic era. The idea to create these "totem" animals came from the discovery near Stonehenge of the remains of four giant wooden poles that date from this time (nearly 10,000 years ago). It is probable that these poles had a ceremonial purpose, similar to North American totem poles. I have created these panels to suggest the animals as "forest spirits", and all four can be placed on a post to produce a complete totem post.

The totem post and panels were first displayed as part of The Past is Another Country exhibition with the Elementals Artists. They are made from reclaimed wood that has been limed and stained. Each panel is supplied with a wooden stand.