___ pole (Native American carving) - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "___ pole (Native American carving)," is a classic fill-in-the-blank that relies on a well-known cultural term. It's a straightforward clue that most solvers will recognize immediately, making it a great entry point into a puzzle.

Clue Analysis

The clue structure is a simple "fill-in-the-blank" format. The core of the clue is the phrase "___ pole." The part in parentheses, "(Native American carving)," acts as a direct definition for the completed phrase. This dual approach leaves little room for ambiguity. The puzzle is asking for the word that precedes "pole" to describe a specific type of monumental art associated with certain Indigenous cultures.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, the solver's brain likely jumps to the answer through direct association. Here's a typical thought process:

1. Phrase Recognition: The moment you read "___ pole," a very common two-word phrase probably comes to mind.
2. Definition Confirmation: The parenthetical "(Native American carving)" confirms that this initial thought is correct. It precisely describes the object in question.
3. Letter Count: If you know the answer is five letters long, this further solidifies the correct word.
4. Crossings: As always, if you're even slightly unsure, getting a crossing letter or two will make the answer undeniable. However, for many, this clue is an "auto-fill."

This clue doesn't involve wordplay, puns, or obscure trivia; it's a test of common cultural knowledge.

Background Context

The completed phrase refers to a totem pole, a monumental carving consisting of a pole, post, or pillar, carved with symbols or figures. These are most famously created by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America, including the Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian nations.

Contrary to some popular misconceptions, totem poles are not objects of worship. Instead, they serve various purposes: they can narrate family histories, commemorate important events, represent clan lineages, or display the rights and privileges of a particular family or chief. The figures carved on the pole, often animals like eagles, ravens, bears, and wolves, are crests that represent a family's identity and story.

Conclusion

This clue is a crossword staple. Its reliance on a widely recognized term makes it an accessible and satisfying solve. It serves as a great example of how crossword puzzles incorporate cultural references that are part of the broader public consciousness.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about symbols or emblems.
2. Hint 2: This word can refer to a spiritual emblem of a group or clan.
3. Hint 3: It's a type of monumental carving, often featuring animals or figures.
4. Hint 4: The word completes a common phrase associated with Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest.

The answer is TOTEM.