POLES OF PRIDE (1) Totem poles, silent and mysterious messengers, stand all along the northwestern coast of the United States. Many were made by Native Americans long before people from Europe arrived. Many people do not know this, but totem poles have a lot of meaning behind them. Native Americans long ago took much time and put much effort into carving very detailed designs into totem poles. Totem poles are truly pieces of art.
(2) Some people today still carve totem poles, and the work of a skilled carver is highly valued. Artists carve totem poles from solid pieces of wood or the trunks of trees. The poles can range in size from a few inches to the height of a tall cedar tree. Driving around many North American towns, one might see totem poles that date back many years.
3) The language of a totem pole is nonverbal. Each design used by the carver represents a different idea. Most are based on birds or animals. Those who know what the totem pole designs mean understand the messages these figures send. People can only know the true meaning of all the images on the totem pole upon speaking directly to the artist. These explanations are oftentimes very detailed and sometimes very confusing.
(4) Totem poles can show the history or importance of a family or clan of long ago. Some honor a person who has died. This person may be a respected member of society, a beloved family member, or a loyal friend to the artist. Other images on totem poles are intended to shame or embarrass someone who has broken his word or has gone against the teachings of the tribe. Again, this could be someone who has wronged many people in an ancient society or perhaps a faulty leader. Usually, however, totem poles speak of pride.
(5) These handsome totem poles seem to stand guard over people, silently reminding them of their beliefs.

Which sentence best expresses the main idea of this excerpt?
A. Totem poles date back to the Native Americans, who put much time and effort into carving them.
B. Today, some people still make totem poles, which are tall wooden carvings created by highly skilled artists that range from a few inches to several feet high.
C. Totem poles have a nonverbal language, and they can show the history or importance of an entire family or clan with hidden messages and figures.
D. Native American totem poles are detailed wood carvings that tell a story of a person, family, or clan.