What does the picture above show? what purpose(s) do they have? how does wood grain relate to these pieces of cultural art?

The picture above shows Native totem poles. Totem poles are intricate wooden structures with carvings of small animals and important shapes and symbols within a culture. The wood grain in them help mimic the texture of the fur of the animals carved.

1# d

2# b

3# e

4# c

5# a

the answer is counterpoint.

counterpoint definition: "the art or technique of playing a melody or melodies in conjunction with another, according to fixed rules."

counterpoint is present in a lot of baroque music- such as bach (notably his wtc prelude and fugues) and scarlatti, but can also be found in music by mozart, beethoven. it can even be found in music as modern as john williams!