Symbolism

While significance varies from Nation to Nation, there are associated traits and representational qualities of the primary animal figures seen in Northwest Coast art that can be applied cross-culturally.

 

Bear

Considered the elder kinsman that teaches the legends and dances, the Bear is a symbol of strength and is always respected and treated as a high-ranking guest.

 

Beaver

The Beaver is a symbol of industriousness and is known for its building skills. It is identified by a scaly-surfaced tail and large incisor teeth.

 

Butterfly

The Butterfly is a symbol of transformation and regeneration. Because of its ability to change itself so thoroughly, it can be viewed as representing transition, grace, and hope. In Haida culture, Butterfly acts as Raven's companion and guide.

 

Dogfish

Dogfish represents independence and decisiveness. Also known as Shark, the Dogfish is a common crest amongst the Haida and often depicted with round eyes and a downturned mouth. They are solitary creatures that are often feared by those who must spend time on the open ocean.

 

Eagle

The Eagle is a symbol of power, knowledge and prestige. The Eagle also represents friendship and peace to all.

 

Eulachon

Eulachon represents wealth and plenty. Also referred to Oolichan and Candlefish, this tiny fish from the smelt family once was plentiful in BC and is valued as both a fuel and a food source. 

 

Frog

The Frog is the voice of the people and a symbol of innocence, stability and communication. It is also considered to be good luck.

 

Hummingbird

The Hummingbird is the joyful messenger and a symbol of health. When a Hummingbird appears, healing will follow.

 

Land Otter

Among the Tlingit, Ts’msyen, Haida, and Kwakwaka’wakw there are stories warning seafarers of supernatural Land Otters. In some stories, they are cruel creatures who take delight in tricking sailors to their deaths. In others, they are friendly and helpful, frequently saving the lost from death by freezing. 

 

Moon

Protector and guardian of the earth, Moon watches over us and can change the way we feel.

 

Octopus

Octopus represents transformation. The Octopus has close links to shamanism and transformation symbolism due to its ability to change colour and shape.

 

Otter

Otter represents playfulness and intense loyalty. They are the friendliest of all animals and are bright and inquisitive. Sea Otters are often seen swimming on the backs.

 

Raven

The transformer and the creator, Raven placed the sun and moon in the sky so the world would have light and also put the trees on land and fish in water. This magical creature opened the clamshell to release man. He is known for his knowledge.

 

Raven with Broken Beak

This is a myth about caution and the dangers of impulsiveness. This story tells of Raven spotting a fishing lure in the sea and diving down to bite it. The hook lodges itself in Raven’s beak, and the Blind Fisherman above – who cannot see Raven struggling underwater – believes he has caught a huge fish. He pulls hard on the line, tearing the top half of Raven’s beak off. 

 

Salmon

The Salmon is the life source and the provider of food for all animals and humans. When salmon are seen in pairs, it symbolizes good luck.

 

Sea Bear

Sea Bear, like Wasgo and Thunderbird, is a supernatural figure and is associated with hunting and fishing. The presence of and legends surrounding Sea Bear are often told to emphasize the daunting nature of the open sea. 

 

Seal

Seals represent wealth and plenty. They have always been an important resource along the Northwest Coast, providing food, fuel, and clothing. Seal is often depicted with Salmon, a favourite food, and both creatures represent abundance.

 

Sisiutl

Sisiutl is a double-headed sea serpent that can flip boats and deal death, or bestow power and protect communities. Depicted horizontally with a humanoid head in the middle and two wolf-like heads on either end, this mythological figure often appears in the art of southern First Nations cultures.

 

Snag

The Snag or Supernatural Snag is the personification of driftwood and floating logs in rivers, or other bodies of water. It is often depicted as an abstracted bear-like design.

 

Sun

The Sun is the provider of healing energy, beauty and life. The Sun was put into the sky by Raven, and its rays are our means of travel between earth and sky.

 

Thunderbird

This mythological creature is the most powerful of all the spirits. It lives in the mountains and has lightning sticks under its wings. It rolls the thunder, and when it blinks its eyes, lightning flashes.

 

Tsonokwa

Also known as Dzunukwa and Tsonoqua, the 'Wild Woman of the Woods' is an important character in the dancing societies of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. She is a giantess, characterized by her black color, bushy and unkempt hair, and pursed lips. 

 

Turtle

Turtle represents the land and continuity. It is not a symbol found within Northwest Coast art and culture, but the Turtle is a central figure with Plains and Woodlands mythology, associated with creation.

 

Wasgo

Called Wasco or Wasgo, this giant sea wolf has the head and tail of wolf, with whale elements such as fins and a blowhole. Wasgo is known as a guide and protector of those on the ocean.

 

Whale

The Whale is a communicator and highly regarded guardian of the sea. Whales travel together and symbolize long life.

 

Wolf

This positive symbol is very family oriented. Wolves mate for life and share all responsibilities. Wolves are known as the land equivalent of the whale.