One of the totems on Totem Trail in the Sitka Historical National Park.

This is an example of a totem that would be raised during a potlatch - note the rings on the smokestack hat of the top figure. That indicates the number of potlatches held by that particular individual. Potlatches were very important - wedding, name-giving ceremonies and feasting would accompany this event. These were expensive and time-consuming but expected affairs in Tlingit society.