Hontoon Owl Totem - Deland, Florida, USA
Posted by: 
BoomersOTR
N 28° 58.474 W 081° 21.436
17R E 465193 N 3205220
An Atlas Obscura listing located on Hontoon Island near Deland, Florida.
Waymark Code: WM13ED3
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 11/22/2020
Views: 3
Located in the Hontoon Island State Park is a replica of an Owl Totem that was uncovered by archeologists.
“In 1955, a 10-foot owl totem pole was found in the river, making it one of the most significant discoveries of the area. The totem was originally attributed to the Timucua, a neighboring tribe in the area, but research has found that this was indeed a product of the Mayaca. It is most likely that they used tools such as stones and sharks’ teeth to carve the details into the wood.
No one is sure about the purpose of the totem. Some researchers believe that it was a religious item, serving as a means of protection for the tribe, while others think the totem was a territorial marker indicating the area belonging to the Mayaca.
A replica now stands near the area where the pole was discovered as a means to remember the Mayaca.” Excerpted from the Hontoon Island State Park website.
The Hontoon Island State Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am to 1 hours before sunset. There is a park operated ferry that can transport visitors to the island. There is no cost to enter the park or use the ferry.
The Hontoon Owl Totem is a short walk to the left of the ferry landing.
(
visit link)