| BEAVER |
Industrious. Artistic. Determined. Resourceful. Creative. In Haida legend it is the Beaver
who is responsible for providing the Salmon that the Raven had stolen to give back to the people. |
| BEAR |
Strength. Introspection. Learned humility. Motherhood & teaching. Bear is known as the
protector of the animal kingdom. In Haida culture is referred to as "Elder Kinsman" and was treated like a high
ranking guest ... |
| BUTTERFLY |
As a supernatural being, the butterfly is a spokesman for the Raven. The butterfly symbolizes
that which is beautiful and positive. Associated with femininity, marriage, birth and knowledge; a bridge to
the spirit world. |
| COPPER (SHIELD) |
A symbol of wealth, status, and prestige on the Northwest Coast, coppers are engraved with
the crests and history of a family. As coppers are transferred in ownership between high ranking families during
ceremony, they increase in value and develop a rich history. |
| DOGFISH |
Persistence & strength. Innate leadership. The Dogfish Woman is the most prominent Shark
in Haida legends. It’s considered a family crest of Haida royalty. All other Sharks are referred to as "Dogfish
Mother’. In addition to the Shark-like features, the Dogfish Woman wears a labret in her lower lip which is
traditionally worn by artistocratic Haida women. The Dogfish is one of the most powerful crests that is
associated with feminine qualities. As well, it enters the realm of supernatural beings. |
| DRAGONFLY |
Ever-changing Life. |
| EAGLE |
Honour. Strength. Leadership. Wisdom. Eagle is seen as a symbol of both power and prestige as well as a harbinger of peace and friendship. Eagle is one of the two main crests of the Haida. Symbolizes courage and bringing to light. Eagle also has a strong connection to harmony. |
| EAGLE FEATHER |
Honouring. Respect. Strength. Eagle down, considered sacred, was used in ceremonies to welcome
someone in friendship. "Down" was sprinkled on the ground before an important visitor came into the tribe. Eagle
feathers are used for smudging and praying. The feathers were also given as a symbolic offering to bestow
honour for acts of courage and wisdom. |
| FROG |
Spring & New Life, Stability. Frog is a symbol of prosperity, considered friendly as it is said he warns humans of imminent
danger. Communicator with beings from both worlds, and serves as a mediator. In Haida
culture, the Frog is often shown on House posts because it is believed that this helps keep the house from falling
over. |
| HALIBUT |
Life protector, Strength and Stability. |
| HAWK |
A messenger, often from the spirit world and
the ancestors. Strength. Farsighted. |
| HERON |
Patience. Graceful and Easygoing. |
| HUMMINGBIRD |
Love, Beauty, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger. The Hummingbird represents friendship and
playfulness. The Hummingbird is also a symbol of good luck and good fortune. It was considered a positive sign
to spot a Hummingbird just prior to some major event such as hunting or travelling to another village. The
ability of the Hummingbird to hover and move back and forth at great speeds is seen as skills that guide the
people. For example, if the people fall behind, the Hummingbird can easily back up to keep pace. Legend says
that the Hummingbird puts the twinkle in the stars, and that catching a Hummingbird guarantees your choice of
a mate. The Hummingbird is a well respected symbol. |
| KILLER WHALE |
Beauty and power. Traveller & guardian. Symbol of Good.
The Haida believe that killerwhales are human counterparts who have their
own complex societies beneath the sea. The Killer whale is a popular symbol for romance as they mate for life. |
| KINGFISHER |
Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility. |
| LOON |
Peace. Tranquility. Generosity. |
| MOON |
Protector. Guardian. The Moon was the exclusive crest of only a few of the highest-ranking
chiefs among the Haida; rights to this crest are still inherited. The Raven is said to have released the Moon
into the sky. The stars are pieces of the Moon that flung off when Raven threw it into the sky. |
| MOUNTAIN GOAT |
Nobility. Rank. Justice. Steadfastness. |
| OTTER |
Trusting, Inquisitive and Bright - Loyal Friendship. Otter images often serve as symbols
of laughter and light-heartedness. When it comes to important things, like protecting her family, she focuses
all her energy on that. But when she is done, she takes time to enjoy her children and discover the grace and
beauty of the world around her. |
| RAVEN |
Raven is known as Transformer, Trickster, Hero, Creator and is the other of the two main
crests of the Haida. Legends credit Raven with, among other things, releasing the Sun and Moon, bringing water
and fish and, according to the Haida, discovering mankind in a clamshell. |
| SALMON |
Dependability & Renewal. A Provider. |
| SEA LION |
Symbol of tremendous wealth. |
| SEAL |
Bright, Inquisitive, Organized |
| SUN |
According to Haida traditions, Raven tossed the Sun into the
sky, where it remains today. It represents life abundance and its warmth radiates healing and peace. |
| THUNDERBIRD |
Power. Strength. Leadership. The Thunderbird
lives high in the mountains. According to some traditions, Thunderbird
causes thunder when he flies or ruffles his feathers. When he blinks his
eyes, he causes lightning. |
| WATCHMEN |
The Haida Watchmen are supernatural beings that give warning when danger lurks. The number
of Skils - the hat rings - show the wealth and prestige of the family. |
| WOLF |
Represents intelligence and leadership. Wolf is the land manifestation of the Killer Whale
as they both mate for life, protect their young and do not separate
from their families, thus represent loyalty and family values. |
