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| Research on the Pacific Northwest Coast Natives shows Ravens and eagles
were totems of the Haida. The eagle, wolf, raven and bear were totems of
the Tsimshian. The wolf and raven were totems of the Tlingit. The overlapping
use of animals may cause some complexity, but this confusion can be solved
if one looks for other clues on the totem pole, such as color. For example
The colors black and red are adhered to by the Haida, whose ancestors used
these pigments exclusively. Artists seldom depart from their design traditions,
and thus they have preserved a look that is clearly Haida. Just by researching
the colors of a totem pole it becomes obvious that every detail on totem
poles has a purpose which must not be over looked.
Animal symbols not only represent a clan but also represent the power and characteristics of an individual. Each animal has it’s own powerful symbolism. Depending on the tribe, the animal symbolism will slightly vary but in general most represent the same beliefs. In the Ojibiway tribe, the eagle symbolizes courage and pre-knowledge, some tribes also see it as spirit and bravery. The bald eagle symbolizes foresight and discovery. The bear represents strength and courage. Perseverance and guardianship is symbolized by the wolf. The buffalo or bison is considered to be a symbol of abundance by many tribes. Another popular animal is the beaver, it is a token of resourcefulness and represents those who mind their own business. The coyote is a trickster who educates through humor. In the Ojibiway tribe, the turtle represents the oldest traditions. It’s animal power symbolizes birth, mating and death, along with communication and emmisary. These are just a few of the more popular animal symbols. The symbol definitions here are just one interpretation... they are not meant to be the final answer... some will give different meanings to these symbols. Any one interpretation is not necessarily right or wrong and each can be correct in its place ... these are just a beginning |
| Thunderbird | Grand lord of the Sky Realm; frightens humans who disturb him; needs homage; busy with his own wars carried out beyond human perception; eats Whales; likes to come to human's dance ceremonies |
| Kolus | Thunderbird's dull-witted brother; a show off; competitive; strong; will occasionally transport huge longhouse beams for humans |
| Eagle | Aristocratic lord of the Sky Realm; part of Thunderbird's entourage or live with other lordly Eagles; occasionally transforms into a human dancer |
| Hawk | Transforms regularly into Hawk Woman or Hawk Man; hates Mosquitoes; quite regal; stand-offish but will assist humans |
| Raven | Powerful, ever-transforming trickster; ever hungry; ever curious; deviant; compulsive; crooked, corrupt and deceptive but somehow like able; ever politically incorrect |
| Whale | Ruler of His own Underwater City; lives with noble supernatural beings there; hates Thunderbirds; some turn into Wolves |
| Copper Woman | Ever-interfering, social climbing wife of Komowkwa, the Underwater King of copper smelting; grants wealth to her personal favorites; particular friend of Frog; causes volcanic eruptions disguised as Volcano Woman |
| Siskiutl,
the Two-headed Sea Serpent |
Can turn enemy warriors into stone with one glance; has been known to swiftly pull huge war canoes to the site of a battle; protects his crestholders from injury during war; has removable crystal eyes; hates Thunderbirds (his enemy) |
| Dzunkwa
(Tsnoqua) |
Cannibal woman who owns certain valuable treasures that humans like to steal; lives on the Earth Realm; smells awful; collects children but they often get away; dull-witted; cannot be killed |
| Bear | Can easily transform into a human; must not be insulted/cursed; lumbering, caring figure with a yen to marry good-looking human princesses; has twin children who grow to adulthood in record time; able to make fires with wet sticks (Bear wood) |
| Beaver | Vengeful creature; occasionally murders humans; if provoked digs underground tunnels that cause earthquakes and landslides; constructs fine arrows |
| Wolf | Powerful; generally avoids humans; able to heal human sickness but this healing is costly; fraternizes with Ghosts at night; when in the mood turns into Whale; powerful ones are pure white |
| Frog | Much misunderstood and underestimated; associated with great wealth; survives volcanic eruptions; must not be insulted; friend of Copper Woman |
| Mosquito | Arose from the transformed remains of chopped-up cannibal beings; it continues to love blood |
| MAKE BELIEVE, MAGIC "TOTEMS":
Recently, the word "totem" has come into use as part of the elaborate "Dungeons and Dragons" game playing strategy. Players give and receive "totems", a talisman-like magical-charm that is said to empower its users with certain powers and attributes. These include totems named "Parrot", "Jaguar", "Tiger", "King Arthur", etc. Some New Age artists and jewelers also employ the "totem" as a image for various qualities they imbue into the object. Confusion arises if these groups claim their artificial "totem" constructs are part of the "ancient" First People's practice of building totem poles. These types of talismen-totems are/were not part of any Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations' traditions. Totem poles are emblems, not talismans. The difference is significant. |
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