The Kiva Coffee Shop has a huge totem pole that supports the center part of the roof and was designed to resemble an underground Kiva room used by certain Native American nations for meetings and ceremonial services. Meaning of the totem pole. Vigas extending in wheel spoke fashion from the crown of the totem pole are symbolic to man being created in the image of our Creator who also created the earth, atmosphere and all that encircles us. The crown of the man’s head is adorned with different faces and emblems symbolic to the varied character and traits of man while at the same time being adorned with serpents that are symbolic to mankind being plagued by suggestions from the evil spirits of Satan appearing in the image of the snake; thus, with both conditions placing mankind into a life full of the dilemma of suggestions from which to choose to do good or evil to one another while in this life on earth.

The animal, fish, and bird art creations being below the man depict that our Creator created man in his image as a supreme being on earth with attributes above the other moving living beings on the earth. Therefore, presumably mankind is alone with these attributes which are present in the majestic character of our Creator, such as omnipresence (or presence everywhere), being comparative with mankind’s ability to imagine scenes in their mind, though they may be many miles away, and such as omniscience (knowing all things), being comparative with man’s ability to think in a step by step manner enabling man to help or hurt themselves.

The Kiva Shop totem pole was carved by Duane Van Vechten-Lineberry and artistically leaves us with thoughts, and truths about the world and ourselves for meditation. The Van Vechten-Lineberry Taos Art Museum is within walking distance of the Kachina Lodge.