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ARGILLITE
The Haida Native
people are renowned for their beautiful "black
slate" or Argillite carvings. They began carving
Argillite in response to the early curio trade of the
1820’s. Soon the artistic accomplishments of the
Haida in the use of materials such as wood, horn and
stone included this new medium.
The Argillite used
by Haida carvers is a black or gray carbonaceous shale
found at Slate chuck Creek on the Queen Charlotte
Islands, British Columbia. Argillite is a relatively
soft stone to carve, although it’s difficult to
obtain large pieces from the quarries. The supply of
Argillite is not in any apparent danger of being
exhausted so this Haida tradition of carvings will
continue for many years to come.
Apart from small
Totem Poles, the primary objects carved from Argillite
include plates with incised designs, pendants, pipes,
small boxes and sculptured figures. Some carvers give
their work a high polish with emery cloth or other
materials which enhance the deep black qualities of the
stone.
Even today,
Argillite continues to be carved exclusively by Haida
artists both on the Queen Charlotte Islands (their
homeland) and in the Vancouver and Victoria areas.
BASKETS
were traditionally
made on the Northwest Coast for such purposes as
gathering food, cooking, storage, and for hats and
cradles. Later, when baskets began to be made for
selling purposes, a variety of forms were created. They
included trays, miniature containers and
basketry-covered bottles.
Each tribal group
of the Northwest Coast has its own distinctive style of
basketry that utilizes different materials and
techniques. Common to all styles of basket making is
the lengthy process of gathering and preparing the
materials to be used in the basket making. There’s
bark, roots and grasses that must be harvested, dried,
split and perhaps dyed before the weaving process or
sewing of the basket can begin.
The effects of
pollution, land development and logging in some areas
mean that basket makers must go longer distances from
their homes to obtain their materials.
Today, Nootks
(West Coast), Haida and Salish artists produce the most
readily available basketry. The best of contemporary
baskets as well as antique ones are becoming
collector’s items.
Taking care of
your baskets requires that they are not in direct
sunlight or bright artificial light. Too much light and
heat will case the basket to become dry and brittle as
well as cause the colors to fade. Alternately, baskets
should not be kept in humid conditions since mildew and
dust will collect on them and fibers might stretch.
Baskets should be handled with care – always use
two hands, never lift a basket by its rim and avoid
using a basket’s handles or knobs. Too much
pressure on the basket may cause the fibers to break so
be careful if you decide to use your basket for storage
or other purposes. Do not attempt to wash your basket
as this can only cause strain on the already tensely
woven fibers and lead to warping or breakage. To clean
baskets, use a soft brush to remove any dust.
BEADWORK
is one of many
mediums that have been mastered by the Northwest Coast
and Plains Native artists.
Traditionally,
Tantalum shells, Porcupine quill and Abalone shell is
used to accentuate the beadwork. Deerskin is commonly
used to link chokers, watch bands, hairpieces and bolo
ties, as it is highly elastic and very soft to the
skin.
BEAR
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 when killed. Eagle
down was sprinkled before it was brought in to the
tribe to display respect.
In West Coast
culture, there are several legends telling of a Chief’s
daughter being abducted by a bear. The high ranking
woman had been out in the woods picking berries and
stepped on some Bear dung and began to curse out loud,
insulting their cleanliness. Two Bears nearby heard her
and decided they would not tolerate such insolence.
They felt the disrespectful woman had to be punished.
To do this, one Bear transformed himself into a very
handsome man who approached this woman, and seductively
lured her to accompany him to his mountain home. When
she did, she fell in love with him and became partially
Bear-like herself.
She later married
him and had twin cubs. Their children were born as
little creatures that resembled bears who could
metamorphose themselves into human form like their
father.
The woman’s
brothers eventually found her and, in an unequal
contest, killed her husband. They returned to the
village but the two bear sons did not feel comfortable
and eventually left to return to the forest. All Bear
Clan members are descended from this woman and her two
sons.
Because of this,
it is believed that there is a bear within all of us
and that we must come to terms with this in our lives.
A Sea bear is part
Bear part Killer Whale.
BEAVER
Known as the
carpenter of the animal kingdom, the Beaver is said to
have once been a woman. Tsimshian legends tells of a
woman who dammed a stream to swim in it. Then refused
to get out so she was transformed and her leather apron
became a Beaver’s tail.
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.
BENTWOOD
BOX
The Bentwood Box
is a uniquely fabricated container in which a single
plank of wood is grooved where corners are desired. The
wood is made pliable with heat and moisture and bent to
form a four-sided shape. Wooded pegs or laces secure
the two ends. Then the box shape is attached to a
bottom piece of wood, which has been grooved on its
edges to fit. The top, which is optional, is grooved to
fit the sides.
The Native people
of the Pacific Northwest Coast, including parts of
southern Alaska, western British Columbia and southern
Washington traditionally produced Bentwood Boxes.
The boxes and
chests were used as storage containers, the watertight
ones for holding hot rocks and water for cooking, and
the highly decorated ones as symbols of wealth. They
range in size from small (measured in inches) to
massive (large enough to provide seating).
BOOKWUS
Bookwus, the wild
man of the woods, is a supernatural ghost like figure.
He is associated with the spirits of people who have
drowned. He lives in an invisible house in the forest
and attracts the spirits of those who have drowned to
his home.
Bookwus also tries
to persuade humans to eat ghost food so that they will
become like him. The Bookwus was a significant
character for the Kwakiutl people.
COPPER
The "Copper"
was used by the First Nations people as a form of money
and wealth. It was made out of "Native"
copper which was found in the land where they lived,
and superficially resembled a shield. Considered very
rare and hard to obtain, raw copper was traded from the
Athabaskan Indians in the Interior Plains, or from the
white man in later times.
Coppers were
beaten into shape and usually painted or engraved with
traditional designs. Most Coppers were fairly large,
often 2 to 3 feet tall and a foot across.
One of the most
interesting aspects of the Copper is that they were
given names so that their worth and heritage could be
passed on. A Copper was only worth what it was last
traded for, and it could only be traded for a larger
amount the next time around. Consequently, some Copper
values became highly valuable – worth the total
of 1,500 to 2,000 blankets, a couple of war canoes and
hundreds of boxes and bowls.
No matter what the
original value was the next person who wanted it had to
trade more in exchange for it. Only the richest and
most powerful could afford the price of an old Copper.
Many Coppers were in rather shabby condition as a
result of having been used in quarrels between Chiefs.
To the Kwakiutl,
the ownership and display of a Copper became an
essential for the proper conduct of a marriage or
important dance ritual.
A man whose
family’s honor had been injured by the actions of
remarks of another would publicly have a piece cut from
a valuable Copper and give the piece to the offender.
That person was obligated to cut or "break" a
Copper in return. The broken pieces could be brought up
and joined into a new Copper or used to replace pieces
missing from a "broken" one.
The most valuable
Kwakiutl Coppers tend to be rough and patched since
they have the longest history and have been broken the
most often. Coppers that have been broken have a
certain prestige value that is quite independent from
their monetary value.
COWICHAN
KNITS
Genuine Cowichan
knits are made from raw sheep’s wood which
contains most of its original lanolin. This makes it
water-resistant, much longer wearing and superior to
industrial processed wool. The wool has natural hues of
white, gray and black and is not dyed. Native artists
hand-card, spin and knit the wool in a variety of
traditional designs.
To wash your
Cowichan knits, use lukewarm water, just a little
cooler than your hand. Add a small amount of wool soap
or a minute amount of mild detergent and mix well. If
too much soap is used, you will wash out the lanolin
that makes the knit waterproof. Gently squeeze the
water through the soiled parts of the garment and rinse
in two or three waters of the same temperature. Squeeze
out the water and roll in a bath towel to eliminate as
much water as possible, stretch into shape and lay flat
to dry.
DOGFISH
The Dogfish is a
crest that is often applied to utilitarian objects.
It’s often portrayed with a labret in its lip as
a reminder of a legend of a woman carried off by the
Dogfish a long time ago.
The Dogfish Woman
Mask 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
hard times had fallen on an Indian village. Two sleeping children awake to find that they have been accidentally left behind when their parents and the other villagers abandoned their homes to find food. To pass the time, the boy makes a toy insect out of corn and grasses and gives it to his little sister to comfort her.
The children are amazed one morning to find that the toy has come to life and is dancing, hovering, and gliding through the air. They delight in its shimmering beauty and are happily distracted. But at the end of each day, as night falls, they become sad and lonely, and wish for the return of their parents and neighbors.
The live toy is sad for the boy and girl and flies to the land of the gods. It relays the children’s fears and wishes. The gods, in turn, send messages back with the delicate insect offering comfort to the children and giving them instructions on survival. This beautiful insect messenger to and from the gods was given the name Dragonfly.
CARING
FOR YOUR DRUM
Both plain or
painted rawhide drums may be cared for in the same way.
Allow a drum to be played using only fingers, hands or
beaters that are padded at the tip. Striking with an
unpadded stick can crack or even puncture some
skinheads.
Drums may be
protected from scratches and damage from the elements
when traveling by using a drum bag, wrapping in a
blanket or providing other similar type care.
They will change
in tone as a result of fluctuating humidity and/or
temperature. Drums sound their best within the same
humidity and temperature range comfortable to most
people.
In the cool
Maritime climates, similar to the Pacific Coast, drums
and rattles should not be stored or displayed close to
the floor or in trunks where they will draw moisture.
A drum that
becomes too cool or damp will loosen and the tone
dulls. It should not be played until re-tightened
through warming. Never attempt to tighten a drumhead by
pouring hot water over it or putting it close to an
open flame. This will cause the head to become brittle
and crack. Avoid putting a drum close to any heat
source than what would be comfortable to your own skin.
Drums needing
re-tightening should be warmed gently and slowly. A
drum that is only slightly dull may be warmed by gently
rubbing the head in a circular motion from the center
out with an open bare hand for a few minutes. Indoors,
turning up the heat works. If traveling, you could use
a vehicle heater.
Exposure to
extreme conditions, such as hot dry Summer days, very
dry Winter conditions or sunlight passing through a
window will cause a drumhead to shrink and tighten too
quickly, perhaps excessively. This will result in a
higher pitched, even tinny, sound. Even worse, a drum’s
lacings may break under such conditions, the head may
become brittle and crack or the frame may warp.
To avoid damage
under conditions of extreme temperature and low
humidity, moisture can be added to the air by using a
humidifier or teapot. Moisture may be applied directly
to the drum by wiping the head with a lightly dampened
cloth. Where such climatic conditions are the norm, as
in areas of Alaska and Arizona, an animal or vegetable
oil may be lightly applied to the lacing and/or
drumhead (on the inside for a single head) to allow it
more flexibility.
Shade any drum
displayed in direct sunlight.
Proper care aids
in the usefulness and extends the life of all natural
materials.
EAGLE
The noble Eagle is
seen as a symbol of power and prestige. Eagle also has
a strong connection to peace. This species is still
plentiful in the Pacific Northwest. They have long been
a source of artistic inspiration for both traditional
and contemporary Native artists.
The Eagle is
considered an important Clan crest and is frequently
depicted on totem poles, masks, prints and jewelry.
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 honor for acts of courage and
wisdom.
The Cree consider
each feather as having special meaning and distinction.
They make up the Cree dancers regalia and must be
earned one at a time.
EAGLE FEATHER
Most
all Native American Indian Peoples attach special
significance to the Eagle and its feathers. Images of
eagles and their feathers are used on many tribal logos
as symbols of the Native American Indian. To be given
an Eagle feather is the highest honor that can be
awarded within indigenous cultures.
Both
Bald and Golden Eagles (and their feathers) are highly
revered and considered sacred within American Indian
traditions, culture and religion. They are honored with
great care and shown the deepest respect. They
represent honesty, truth, majesty, strength, courage,
wisdom, power and freedom. As they roam the sky, they
are believed to have a special connection to God.
According
to traditional American Indian beliefs, the Creator
made all the birds of the sky when the World was new.
Of all the birds, the Creator chose the Eagle to be the
leader... the Master of the Sky.
The
Eagle flies higher and sees better than any other bird.
Therefore, its perspective is different from other
creations that are held close to the Earth, and it is
closer to the Creator. The Creator also has a different
perspective of what occurs below in this world of
physical things in which humankind resides. The Eagle
spends more time in the higher element of Father Sky
than other birds, and Father Sky is an element of the
Spirit.
The
Eagle is considered to be a messenger to God. It was
given the honor of carrying the prayers of man between
the World of Earth and the World of Spirit, where the
Creator and grandfathers reside. To wear or hold an
Eagle feather causes the Creator to take immediate
notice. With the Eagle feather, the Creator is honored
in the highest way.
The
wings of an Eagle represent the balance needed between
male and female, each one dependent upon the strengths
and abilities of the other.
When
one receives an Eagle feather, that person is being
acknowledged with gratitude, love and ultimate respect.
The holder of the feather must ensure that anything
that changes one’s state of mind (alcohol and
drugs) must never come in contact with a sacred Eagle
feather.
The
keeper of an Eagle feather makes a little home where
the feather will be kept safely and protected. It
should be hung up within one’s home, not placed
in drawers or cupboards.
Eagle
feathers are never to be abused, shown disrespect,
dropped or contaminated. Only real true human Men and
Women carry the Eagle feather.
Many
dancers use Eagle feathers as part of their dance
regalia. The Creek and Cherokee have an Eagle Dance. If
for any reason an eagle feather is dropped, it needs to
be cleansed. The arena director’s job is to guard
the Eagle feather and not leave the spot it is in until
the proper cleansing ceremony is performed.
Eagle
feathers were awarded to Indian Braves, warriors and
Chieftains for extreme acts of valor and bravery. These
feathers were difficult to come by, and were earned one
at a time.
Regardless
of where or how an Indian Brave accumulated Eagle
feathers, he was not allowed, according to Tribal Law,
to wear them until he won them by a brave deed. He had
to appear before the Tribal Council and tell or reenact
his exploit. Witnesses were examined and, if in the
eyes of the council, the deed was thought worthy, the
Indian Brave was then allowed to wear the feathers in
his hair or Indian Headdress or Indian War Bonnet.
An
Indian would rather part with his horse or tepee, than
to lose his Eagle feathers. To do so would be dishonor
in the eyes of his Tribe. Many of the old American
Indian Chiefs had won enough honors to wear a
double-trailed bonnet that dragged the ground. Only the
great and important men of the Tribes had the right to
wear the double-trailed Indian War Bonnets.
During
the “Four Sacred Rituals”, American Indians
wear or hold Eagle feathers. The “Flag Song”
has its earliest origins during the period when some
Indian Nations would honor the Eagle feather staffs of
leaders from different other bands of Indian Nations.
Under
both U.S. and Canadian law, a permit is required from
official governmental conservation authorities of
anyone to possess an Eagle feather legally. Native
American Indians acquiring Bald and Golden Eagle
feathers must use them for traditional ceremonies or
teaching purposes.
Under
normal circumstances, it is illegal to use, sell or
possess Eagle feathers. Anyone possessing an Eagle
feather without a federal permit can face stiff
fines and imprisonment.
The
American Indian holds the Eagle in the highest regard,
and has a true "heart and soul desire" to
keep it flying healthy and free for many generations to
come.
“Prophesy
says that it is time to share some of the sacred
traditions of our culture. The four colors of man will
be coming together to unite and heal. Creator has given
different gifts and responsibilities to each of the
four colors. Ours is to help preserve Earth for all the
children. Time is running out. It’s time to
act.”
-
Indigenous Spiritual Leaders of the Americas -
FROG
A symbol of
prosperity and wealth, the Frog was said to have warned
humans of impending danger. The Frog is frequently
depicted in the art of the Northwest Coast and many
legends are attached to this whimsical little animal.
Known as an
important family crest figure, the Frog or "Wukus"
is the announces who tells the end of the Winter Dance
season. It’s said that when the last snowflakes
of the winter touch the ground they turn into Frogs.
Then the Native people know that there is only six
weeks until the Salmon return to the rivers and Summer
begins.
In Haida culture,
the Frog is often shown on House posts because it is
believed that this helps keep the house from falling
over.
In Tsimshian
culture, the Frog is known as the communicator between
mother earth and man. Frog is considered the only child
to mother earth.
There is a story
about Volcano Woman. Her only child, the Frog, saw evil
men hunting her earth creatures for pleasure rather
than necessity. When the men notices Frog, they knew
they would be found out so they killed him. Volcano
Woman erupted and destroyed the earth in her sorrow
furry. She cried great tears of lava. The earth was
destroyed but in time would be born again even stronger
and more fertile.
More Frog legends
Frog is a creature
of great importance in Northwest Coast art and culture.
As a creature that lives in two worlds, water and land,
Frog is revered for his adaptability, knowledge and
power to traverse worlds and inhabit both natural and
supernatural realms. Frogs are primary spirit helpers
of shamans. A great communicator, Frog often represents
the common ground or voice of the people. Frog's songs
are believed to contain divine power and magic. When
shown in art as touching or sharing his tongue with
another creature, Frog represents an exchange of
knowledge and power. Frog designs are commonly used as
decorative elements, so that Frog faces, for example,
peek out from another creature's ears, mouth or hands.
In symbolic terms the emergence of frog from these
orifices may represent an eruption of magic and unseen
interior and other worlds.
Frog is often
associated with copper and great wealth. Legendary
Haida princes are said to have attended feasts wearing
necklace chains made of living Frogs. The Haida carved
Frog on house pole to prevent them from falling over.
They also included them in many other carvings, from
feast bowls to totem poles. Frogs on Haida Gwaii,
B.C.'S Queen Charlotte Islands, are actually northern
toads. One Haida name for Frog (toad) is "crab of
the woods".
Many legends are attached to
this whimsical little animal. The Tlingit of Alaska
tell of it's distribution in a story about a chief's
daughter who made fun of Frog. She was then lured into
his lake by Frog in human form, who then married her.
Her angry parents drained the lake and scattered Frogs
in every direction. Some B.C. First nations told that
Frog announces the end of the winter dance season. It
is said that when the last snowflakes of winter touch
the ground they turn into Frogs. Then the Native people
know that there is only six weeks until the Salmon
begin returning to the rivers and summer begins.
One
story about Frog tells he was volcano woman's only
child. One day Frog saw evil men hunting only for
pleasure rather than necessity. When the men noticed
Frog they killed him. Volcano woman erupted in her
sorrow and furry, crying great tears of lava. She
destroyed the earth, but in time it would be born again
even stronger and more fertile.
Yet another Frog
legend says a village was starving because no one could
catch any fish or game, so a warrior went out to try to
find some food. No one had been successful for a long
time. The warrior met a bird who instructed him to
follow, so he could help him. The bird brought him to a
Frog, who let the warrior wear his skin. With the Frog
skin, the warrior was able to get enough food for the
whole village but, as time passed, the warrior was
fully transformed into a Frog, and he went to sea.
There he could live and catch fish and other seafood.
Until his days were no longer he provided these foods
to his village.
HALIBUT
The Halibut is a
flat fish that starts life swimming in a vertical plan
and eventually turns over on its side to become a
bottom feeder. The underneath eye moves to the upper
side, giving the fish its unique appearance.
An abundant food
source, the Kwagiulth believed the Halibut threw off
its skin and fins to emerge as the first Human after
the Great Flood subsided.
Commonly carved in
feast dishes and used for oolichan oil. The more
detailed and elaborate a dish, the more highly ranked
the person was who owned it.
HAWK
MASK
The Hawk Mask was
used during one of the Kwakiutl Winter ceremonies by an
initiated member of one of the secret societies.
The privilege of
membership was usually secured by marriage. The right
was passed on to a woman and she, in turn, gave them to
her children by her father or uncle. Occasionally a man
would declare himself half-woman to marry himself and
pass the right onto him.
HOK
HOK
Hok Hok is a long
beaked bird monster who is a part of the great
household in the sky which is controlled by the Chief
cannibal spirit, Bakbakwasnooksiwae. The Hok Hok is
portrayed in dances of the Hamatsa society in the
important Kwakiult winter ceremonies.
HUMAN
Humans are often
represented as being partially from the spirit world.
If the subject is a woman, occasionally a small disc (a
labret) is placed in the lower lip. This may be
represented as an ovoid.
Faces of humans,
or their spiritual counterparts, frequently appear
within the outlines of other creatures.
HUMMINGBIRD
This beautiful
tiny bird once abundant on the West Coast is known by
the whimsical name "Sah Sen". Contemporary in
style, 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 traveling
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.
INUKSHUK
In contemporary
times, the Inukshuk was thought of as a direction
marker on the vast, featureless tundra of the Arctic.
However, it was used traditionally by the Inuit to help
in hunting Caribou. From a distance these cairns
resembled a human form, and were built of large stones
and placed in lines on the top of hills on each side of
a narrow valley.
The Caribou were
often deceived and would be drawn into hunting areas
strategically placed at the head of the valley. There,
the hunters would have ample opportunity to increase
their food stocks tenfold. After a particularly
successful hunt, a new Inukshuk was sometimes erected
to mark a food cache of excess dried meat to be hoarded
for future lean times for the Inuit people.
KILLER
WHALE
The legend of the
Killer Whale is a tale of Natcitlaneh who was abandoned
on an island by his brothers-in-law who were jealous of
his prowess as a hunter. He was rescued by the Sea
Lions and taken to their village in a cave where he
healed their Chief. In gratitude, the Sea Lions gave
him supernatural powers which enabled him to carve
eight wooden Killer Whales. These Whales came to life
when they were placed in the sea and avenged him by
killing his brothers-in-law.
As a mark of
respect, Natcitlaneh built a house and named it Killer
Whale House. According to the legend, the ancestors
visited the house located at the bottom of the ocean to
obtain rights to use the Killer Whale as a crest.
Held in great awe
for its power and size, it was believed a Killer Whale
could capture a canoe and take it underwater to
transform the occupants into Whales. Thus a Whale near
the shore was a human transformed and trying to
communicate with his family.
The Whale is a
popular symbol for romance as they mate for life. The
Whale, like the Wolf, stays with its family and travel
in large pods.
KOMOKWA
The Komokwa is of
major importance in Kwaguilth mythology. He was the
king of the undersea world, master and protector of the
seals who were a symbol of wealth. His name means
"wealthy one" and he ruled from a great rich
house under the water. The house contained great wealth
in blankets, coppers and other treasures.
Many humans of
legendary history attempted to reach this kingdom.
Those who achieved their goal became wealthy and
powerful, returning to their home village with magical
boxes full of treasure.
MOON
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. An eclipse was said to be a Codfish
trying to swallow the Moon. In order to prevent this, a
bonfire was set with green boughs to add smoke. As
people danced ceremonially around the fire, thick smoke
rose to the sky causing the codfish to cough and spit
out the Moon. When the people saw the Moon appear at
the edge of the mountain they would drum to bring the
Moon higher into the sky.
MOSQUITO
Kwagiulth legend
tells about "The Cannibal at the North end of the
World" who was enticing all the humans with a
rainbow colored smoke. He would then capture them. A
clever Chief dug a huge pit fathoms of fathoms deep and
tricked "The Cannibal at the North end of the
World" who fell into the pit turning to rainbow
colored ash. The Chief cast a spell on him saying; "You
will no longer harm my people as ‘The Cannibal at
the North end of the World’ but you shall be a
Mosquito".
OJIBWAY
BASKETRY
This form of
basketry is mainly woven from sweet grass, birch bark
and Porcupine quills. Traditionally, it was a craft
perfected by the Ojibway women but today there are no
boundaries. This task requires undivided patience and
skill; therefore, only the mature and experienced
weavers have mastered this art.
At one time, this
art was in serious jeopardy of being lost forever.
However, with the resurgence of Native arts and crafts
exemplifying the highest quality and intricacy, there
are now many basket weavers intent on keeping the
tradition alive.
OWL
The Owl is one of
the many crest figures depicted in Northwest Coast
Native design. Often, they are associated with the
souls of deceased ancestors and are viewed with
respect.
Owl Masks are used
in the Winter ceremonies and appear as members of the
sky kingdom. The Owl is commonly depicted in Mask form
and also represented in Totem Poles.
PUGMIS
The Pugmis, or
Merman, is an undersea serpent in Human form. He is a
harmless creature who lives in the undersea kingdom and
is always represented when this kingdom is portrayed in
Potlatch Ceremonies. From overhead the Loon guides this
creature through the water and, for this reason, the
Pugmis masks are usually carved with a Loon on his
head.
RAVEN
The Raven is the
transformer, trickster and creator. Known in legends as
the one who released the sun, moon, and stars;
discovered man in a clamshell; brought the salmon and
the water; and taught man how to fish and hunt.
Raven in Kwaguilth
culture is known as the sky messenger of the animal
kingdom. The Raven is famous for being a somewhat
mischievous glutton. He was always out to please
himself and have a good time, but his adventures always
ended up bettering mankind.
The story of
"Raven Steals the Lights" is legendary. An
old man lived in a house on the bank of a river with
his only child – a daughter. At this time, it was
pitch black everywhere and no one could see anything.
So whether she was beautiful or not, there wasn’t
a way anyone could tell. Thus begins the tale of the
Raven and the Sun. It’s said that the old man
kept the Sun locked in a box inside a box, which had
yet another box containing an infinite number of boxes
until finally there was one so small that all it could
contain was all the light in the universe.
The Raven was not
satisfied with the state of darkness since it led to
his blundering and bumping into everything. This slowed
him down in his pursuit of the good things in life,
which was what he loved more than getting into
mischief. One day he crashed into the old man’s
house and he heard the man and his daughter talking
about the light. He decided he wanted the light for
himself so he waited for the daughter to leave the
house. He transformed himself into a pine needle to
slip into a bucket of water. When the daughter drank
the water and swallowed the pine needle, the Raven
transformed himself into a tiny human being inside her.
When he emerged, he was a very odd looking child, but
it was too dark to noticed his long nose and the few
feathers still clinging to him.
As the Raven/Child
gained the affection of the old man, he devised a plan
to get the Sun. He asked for the largest box in the
house and upon being refused, he cried and screamed so
loudly that the Grandfather gave him the box. After all
it was only one and there were so many more. It took
many days, but after a few well-executed tantrums the
Raven/Child removed all the boxes. When only a few were
left, a strange radiance began to suffuse the room. The
Raven/Child begged to hold the light for only a few
moments, and even though the Grandfather had come to
love the Raven/Child with only a glimpse of him, he
gave him the light. As the light was passed to him, the
Raven/Child transformed into a huge Raven. He snapped
up the light and flew up the smoke hole of the house
into the darkness of the world.
The Raven now
rejoiced with his new possession and was having such a
good time that he did not see the Eagle come upon him.
In a panic, he swerved and dropped almost half the
light he was carrying. It fell to the rocky ground and
broke into pieces. They bounced back into the sky and
remain there to this day as the Moon and the Stars.
Meanwhile, the
Raven was pursued to the edge of the world and,
exhausted, he finally let go of his last piece of
light. It fell to the East and that is how the Raven
gave us the Sun.
RED
CEDAR
One of the
greatest gifts to the Northwest Coast Native people was
the red cedar tree - a source of some of the finest
materials for making objects of use and beauty.
Magnificent in itself, with a beautifully flared base
that tapers suddenly to a tall, straight trunk with
reddish brown bark, the red cedar gracefully sweeps it
boughs of gray-green needles.
The wood is soft
with a wonderful firmness that permeates a most
incredible odor, so pleasing to the human sense of
smell but not to moths. This is why cedar is ideal for
chests used to store garments and other valuables.
A good cedar tree
will split true and clean into forty-foot planks with
scarcely a knot. Across the grain, it cuts cleanly and
precise. Red cedar has the widest colour spectrum of
any wood – from blonde through to pink and
chocolate brown. When steamed, it will bend without
breaking. From birth to death, the wood, bark, roots
and leaves of this mystical powerful cedar tree
provides generously for the needs of the Native people
– materially, ceremonially and medicinally.
Great cedar trees
with clear true grain are becoming more difficult to
find as they succumb to the logger’s saw. Yet
there is no other tree that can provide quite like the
red cedar.
SALMON
The Pacific
Northwest Coast people believed that Salmon were
actually humans with eternal life how lived in a large
house far under the ocean. In the Spring, they put on
their Salmon disguises and offered themselves to the
villagers as food. The tribes believed that when entire
fish skeletons were returned to the sea, the spirits
would rise again and change into Salmon people. In this
way, the cycle could begin again the following year.
Since the villagers feared that the Salmon people would
not be treated respectfully by White people who had no
knowledge of the taboos and regulations, they did not
want to sell Salmon to the first White men.
Salmon is
considered the staple food of many coastal communities,
brought to the rivers seas by the Raven. The Haida tell
of how Raven stole the salmon from the Beaver people by
rolling up their stream and landscape like a carpet and
flying away. It was so heavy that he could only fly a
short distance at a time. He would stop wherever there
was a tree to rest. The Beaver people transformed
themselves back into Beavers in order to stop him. They
would gnaw down the trees that Raven stopped at and
each time some Salmon and stream would escape the
rolled up landscape forming great streams and rivers of
Salmon. Not only was the salmon a favorite food of the
Raven, it also became a favorite of the Haida.
In Kwagiulth
culture, twins alone have the right to the Salmon
dance. To give birth to twins was a sacred gift
bestowed on a mother and was believed to have come from
the Salmon people.
SEA
LION
The Sea Lion was
of great value for the West Coast people. He was hunted
for food and its skin used for clothing and fishing
floats. The Sea Lion was also important in the legends
and myths, especially for the Nootka culture.
In the creation
myth, the Sea Lion’s services are enlisted by the
Raven to help him land in exchange for a fur coat so he
can swim in the coldest of waters and keep warm.
SEAL
The round harbor
seal is an important family crest. It was a favorite
theme of northern bowl carvers, probably because it was
an important source of oil and its meat and blubber
were significant foods at feasts. Perched on its round
belly on a reef, the harbor seal is a familiar sight to
coast travelers.
The Seal Dish,
also named the Potlatch Dish or House Dish, was a
treasured heirloom which families brought out for great
feasts. The use of the dish was an inherited privilege
acquired by ancestral heroes in the course of legendary
encounters with supernatural benefactors. The forms of
the dish was made to look like Seals or Sea Lions and
was linked to their function as vessels for plentiful
food and not with crest privileges of any particular
family. The carvings associated with the consumption of
food far exceeded their function as mere containers for
useful implements. The containers with inlaid Abalone
and shells would be reserved for high-ranking guests or
chiefs.
SHAMAN
More often than
not Shamans were men and severe illness,
hallucinations, visions or frequent dreams were
considered the signs of such a calling.
The role of the
Shaman was a powerful and respectful one, and was
therefore sought after. A Shaman would pass on their
powers to a younger family member who was prepared and
destined for this role. A lengthy apprenticeship
followed where a novice was to acquire their master’s
skills and learn how to control the spirit helpers. The
success of the Shaman was dependent on the powers of
the spirit helpers who would punish the Shaman if they
did not perform the rites correctly. These spirit
helpers could be birds, insects, reptiles,
constellations or other elemental forces.
Generally a Shaman
served as a seer, performed and healer. If a patient
remained ill or died, the Shaman was required to
reimburse the family as well as deal with shame and
ridicule from the community.
A Shaman mask will
often have a crown of Bear claws or Mountain Goat horns
as a part of the ceremonial regalia.
SISIUTL
A dramatic
supernatural creature, the double headed Sea Serpent is
one of the most high ranking crests in Kwagiulth
culture. Its power possesses it to shift shape and
transform from animal to man at anytime. As well, a
Sisiutl can change itself into a self-propelled canoe
which the owner must feed with Seals.
Touching the
serpent or even looking at it, or a glance from it, can
cause death. Legends say Shamans tried to kill the
Sisiutl for its healing power and magic. It’s
closely assocated with war and strength, death and
revival, so warriors try to kill it to rub its blood on
themselves to attain its skillful strength and become
invulnerable. A warrior would often wear a head band or
belt in the image of a Sisiutl to provide protection
from harm.
Flakes of shiny
mica found on beaches were thought to be the discarded
scales from the serpent’s body. Whether carved or
painted, the Sisiutl is depicted with a profile head,
teeth and a large curled tongue at each end of its
serpetine form and in the centre is a human head. Fins
run along its back and curled appendages or horns rise
from all three heads. The painted body represents
scales and it may be carved horizontally, formed into a
U-shape or coiled into a circle.
Sisiutl guarded
the entrance to the homes of the supernatural. It was
painted on the sides of canoes and hung over doorways
to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits.
SISIUTL
(Font is AuntJudy)
The internet has
been a great source of information on Sisiutl. Here is
a selection of the most significant items I found:
Sisiutl
A dramatic
supernatural creature, the double headed Sea Serpent is
one of the most high ranking crests in Kwagiulth
culture. Its power possesses it to shift shape and
transform from animal to man at anytime. As well, a
Sisiutl can change itself in to a self-propelled canoe
which the owner must feed with Seals. Touching the
serpent or even looking at it, or a glance from it, can
cause death. Legends say Shamans tried to kill the
Sisiutl for its healing power and magic. It's closely
assocated with war and strength, death and revival, so
warriors try to kill it to rub its blood on themselves
to attain its skillful strength and become
invulnerable. A warrior would often wear a head band or
belt in the image of a Sisiutl to provide protection
from harm.
Flakes of shiny
mica found on beaches were thought to be the discarded
scales from the serpent body. Whether carved or
painted, the Sisiutl is depicted with a profile head,
teeth and a large curled tongue at each end of its
serpetine form and in the center is a human head. Fins
run along its back and curled appendages or horns rise
from all three heads. The painted body represents
scales and it may be carved horizontally, formed into a
U-shape or coiled into a circle.
Sisiutl guarded
the entrance to the homes of the supernatural. It was
painted on the sides of canoes and hung over doorways
to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits.
(http://www.nativeonline.com/legends.html#SISIUTL
3/03)
Sisiutl
A snake-spirit of
the water in the Pacific coast region of North America.
(http://www.pantheon.org/articles/s/sisiutl.html
3-03)
The Wasgo
or Sisiutl: A Cryptozoological Sea-Animal of the
Pacific Northwest Coast of the Americas
Michael D. Swords,
Western Michigan University, Department of General
Studies, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Various lines of
soft evidence converge upon the tentative conclusion
that an unclassified sea-animal of significant size is
living, or at least recently lived, in the ocean waters
of British Columbia. This animal has had several names
within the various Amerindian cultures of that area,
and has had a history among them for many centuries.
The animal species may be identical or similar to other
reported or historically pictured creatures worldwide.
(http://www.scientificexploration.org/jse/abstracts/v5n1a4.html
3/03)
MYTHOLOGY,
PETROGLYPHS AND VIKING INDICATORS IN THE PACIFIC
NORTHWEST
It seems likely
that if the Vikings had indeed passed through the
Pacific Northwest the impact of Viking ships might well
have left an indelible impression. How would they have
been perceived? Remember, these were the "Dragon
Ships" with imposing dragon or serpentine
figureheads, often on prow and stern; easily
misunderstood as two-headed sea-monsters by the
uninformed. Then there would be the effect of the oars
on either side of the ship - quite a departure from
local canoe paddling arrangements, here with a
predominantly horizontal motion rather than a vertical
one, thus almost "crab-like" in shallow
waters. Furthermore, Vikings coming ashore in a po
tentially hostile situation might well have used
time-tested procedures - no "slack" marines
here (if they wanted to get back on the boat, that is).
In other words, they would most likely have come ashore
behind their shields with speed and efficiency or pay
the price. At which point we may now examine some of
the more unusual Pacific Northwest maritime myths
described by Joseph F. Wherry
The Sisiutl, the
two-headed serpent of the Kwakiutl, was a supernatural
creature said, in the lore of the British Columbia
coast and Vancouver Island, to be four feet in diameter
and up to twenty feet long. At times it was in league
with Thunderbird and made thunder and lightning. Its
'house" was either on land or in water. The body
had an identical head at each end, with a human face,
implying soul power, midway between. Almost always
causing death when encountered, it was all the more
dangerous because it could shrink itself to a tiny
fraction of its true length.
(http://www.spirasolaris.ca/sbb4g1ev.html
3/03)
Sisiutl
In particular, the
Supreme Court of Canada\rquote s 1997 decision in
Delgamuukw v. British Columbia infused greater
flexibility into the law of aboriginal rights. Case law
now suggests three general legal requirements exist for
a successful novel claim under s. 35(1). In light of
these requirements, this paper argues that aboriginal
peoples in Canada have constitutional grounds to seek
recognition of their customary intellectual property
rights regarding crests, songs, dances, etc. For
example, in accordance with the potlatch system of
governance, it is arguable that members of the
Mamalilikala nation of the Kwakwak'wakw could
successfully claim an aboriginal right to exclusively
use the Sisiutl and Sun crest.
(http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/docs/Robbins.pdf
3/03)
Sisiutl
The Pacific
Northwest of the United States and southwestern Canada
is possibly home to a creature more bizarre than the
area's most famous inhabitant, Bigfoot. If Indian tales
are to be believed, the waters near British Columbia
are home to a creature they called sea wolf, sisiutl,
wasgo, haietlik, or any of several other names; this
creature is unique among cryptids by having been a
totem animal of several tribes, an honor shared only
with the thunderbird. Several native representations of
the creature have been retrieved; all depict a long,
serpentine animal with small forelimbs and a doglike or
crocodilian head. A vivid description of the monster
appears in an Indian legend. Shortly the water of the
lake began to churn, and the head and finned for elegs
of the Sea-Wolf, which some call the Wasgo, appeared
near the surface. As the huge beast rose through the
open trap, snapping at the bait...the split cedar
snapped shut on the monster, breaking its back. In
spite of this injury, the Sea-Wolf snarled and pawed
and thrashed. The Kwakiutl tribe, who lived on the
British Columbian coast north of the present city of
Bella Coola specified that sisiutl was an animal that
was "of the earth", not one of the mythical
creatures of the sea; this distinctly shows that the
Pacific Northwest tribes were convinced of the animal's
existence. As far north as Alaska, the Inuit (Eskimos)
spoke of the tirichik, mauraa, nikaseenithulooyee,
akhlut, or palraiyuk, a creature which seems analogous
with the Sea-Wolf of further south, if not for its six
legs. Roy P. Mackal sums up reports of Canadian lake
serpents in Searching for Hidden Animals; the picture
he ends up with is of a creature very much like the
Sea-Wolf. He goes on to speculate that the lake
monsters are actually a surviving populations of a type
of primitive whale called a zeuglodon. Is the Sea-Wolf,
too, a zeuglodon? As a final note, depictions of what
may be the same animal as the Sea-Wolf have been found
as far south as the Nazca Plain, in Peru. One of the
famous "Nazca lines" depicts a whale-like sea
monster, complete with two forelimbs, crocodilian
snout, and large eyes.
(http://www.wolfsource.org/folklore.html
3/03)
Sisiutl
(Kwagiutl)
A mythical
two-headed sea serpent that guarded the entrance to the
homes of the supernaturals, Sisiutl was believed to
kill and eat anyone who saw it; washing in its blood
turned a person to stone. Transformed into a
self-propelled canoe that must be fed seals, this is a
creature unique to Kwagiutl mythology.
(http://www.tourismvictoria.com/Content/EN/604.asp
3/03)
Sisiutl
Sisiutl is a
mythical Kwakwaka'wakw creature. Awesome Sisiutl
guarded the entrance to the houses of supernatural
creatures. Sisiutl was frequently painted over the
doorways of houses for protection. Sisiutl is always
portrayed with a human face at the center of the body.
From each side of the central head protrudes an
appendix which terminates with a head at each end,
traditionally a head in profile. All three heads share
similar features. Each has a set of curl ing horns and
large round nostrils. The face in the central position
is more like that of a human, the eyes are rounded and
the mouth shows full teeth which are sometimes pointed.
The heads at the protruding ends are less like human
heads and display a mo uth with well-defined canine
teeth and a long tongue which protruding like that of
the serpent.
Sisiutl
is symbolic of wetness and fluidity representing at the
same time tears, blood, sea, and rain. This fluidity
also represents changes in life; death, decay and
rebirth.
Sisiutl has the
power to harm people who looked at it though he is most
benevolent to those with the correct privileges.
A Sisiutl story:
Thunderbird and his wife came down to start their own
tribe. As a human male Thunderbird caught a strange
looking salmon which died only when Thunderbird bit his
own tongue and spat blood at the creature. At that time
he recognized the creature as Sisiutl . His wife
thanked him for the gift of Sisiutl which she cut in
half, bathing their newborn son in Sis iutl's blood. As
a result, the child grow quickly into a giant man with
a pursed mouth, who appeared made of stone. The parents
were pleased as a child would be a great warrior. When
the child became the man he received a special
death-bringing canoe with which he could fight with the
world. Each end of the canoe had a serpent head with a
protruding tongue. At the center of the canoe was the
head of the man. The canoe would propel itself when
given navigational directions and would bring wealth,
prerogati ves and slaves. Thus, Sisiutl is associated
for this reason with Warriors.
(http://www.blacktusk.ca/stories/sisiutl.html
3/03)
May 2003
Nick Reynolds
Vancouver, WA
SOAPSTONE
Soapstone has
replaced ivory as the most popular carving material in
contemporary Inuit art. This has led not only to a
greater variety of colours and forms, but to the larger
size of many modern Inuit sculptures as well.
Although the
generic term "soapstone" is commonly used,
this is slightly misleading. Soapstone is a soft talc
Steatite and is not used nearly as much as the harder
Serpentine, Serpentinite, Siltstone, Argillite,
Dolomite, Quartz and other types of materials.
Stone is the most
versatile carving material available since it can be
worked to almost any size and shape. Its colours range
from rather subtle grey to luscious semi-precious
green, white, blue-green, blacks, etc.
Often short in
supply, artists must travel great distances over land
or by boat to quarry good quality stone. Once the
materials are obtained, carving proceeds in a fairly
straightforward manner with the necessary skills passed
down through many generations.
Most sculptures
are still carved with hand tools, using saws, axes,
adzes, hammers and chisels for the initial roughing out
stages. Then files, rasps, steel wool and sandpaper are
used for fine work and finishing, while penknives or
nails may be used for detailed incising.
SUN
Released from a
box by Raven, the Sun Chief inhabited the sky and it
was believed he could be reached by climbing a chain of
arrows. He descended by sliding down its long rays. The
Sun is often carved on totem poles and masks, and sits
atop the tallest totem in the world (Alert Bay, British
Columbia). It represents life abundance and its warmth
radiates healing and peace.
TALKING
STICKS
The Talking Stick
is used by the speaker or orator who has the right to
make an important announcement.
The stick is
carved with crest figures and ornamented. During the
Potlatch Ceremony, this was a representation of the
property to be given away. By touching the stick, the
guests formally indicated their acceptance of amount.
Other staffs, such
as Gwispeck, were carried by the heralds who went from
house to house to invite people to events.
THUNDERBIRD
The Thunderbird is
a mythical creature and a high-ranking prestige crest.
Only the most powerful and prestigious Chiefs have the
Thunderbird as a crest especially among the Kwagiulth,
Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Coast Salish people.
It possesses
supernatural power and is credited with creating the
storms. It’s believed to live high in the
mountains and carry lightening bolts under its enormous
wings. When he blinked lightning came out of his eyes,
and when he flapped his wings thunder roared.
He hunted and ate
Killer Whales by using the two lightning snakes kept
under his wings. They have the heads of wolves and are
revered for their great hunting capability. These
lightning snakes were often painted on the sides of
canoes and then covered up by another coat of paint.
The power emitted from these snakes would help the
native whalers in their hunt.
Frequently
depicted in Native art, the Thunderbird is often shown
clutching the Killer Whale in its talons and on top of
totem poles with its wings outspread. The
representation of a Thunderbird bears a striking
resemblance to the Eagle except that it has curly horns
on top of its head.
Many legends are
associated with the Thunderbird. One prominent Coast
Salish legend tells of the Salish people’s great
dependence on the Salmon. One day, the Killer Whale
swam into the bay and the Salmon were frightened away.
Soon the people began to starve and called out to the
Thunderbird for help. The Thunderbird swooped down,
grabbed the Killer Whale and carried him out to the
sea. The Salmon returned and the people were no longer
hungry. Thus the Thunderbird was known as a protector
of the people and deeply revered.
TOTEM
POLES
"Totem Pole"
is the name given by Europeans to the carved wooden
pillars made by Native peoples of the Northwest Coast.
The word "totem"
refers to a symbolic relationship existing between
natural phenomena (usually animals) and humans. The
idea is that differences existing in nature are used to
represent for differences among various groups of kin.
Just as Bears differ from Eagles and Wolves, so do
people of different kin groups from one another. When
the Northwest Coast person says, "I am Bear",
he means that he belongs to a kinship group that has a
legendary relationship with the Bear. However, this
does not mean that he considers himself like a Bear, or
that he has Bear characteristics, rather he’s
making a statement about his group membership.
The figures on a
Totem Pole are visual statements about group membership
and identity of those who erected them. These symbols
are called "crests". The begins represented
on the Poles are those figures from mythical times who
were encountered by the ancestors of that group who
later took them as their "crests". Thus, some
Northwest Coast families claim the Thunderbird as a
crest who descended from the sky to take off his animal
clothing and became their human ancestor.
Totem Poles are
usually erected at Potlatches (gift giving ceremonies)
at which time they told stories pertaining to the
crests displayed on the Pole, and the right of the
family to claim the crests were publicly witnessed.
WATCHMEN
It is common to
find one of four Watchmen atop a house frontal Totem
Pole. Mainly representative of the Northern Tribes,
there are generally three Watchmen depicted on a Pole
carved in a crouching position. These figures each wear
high crowned hats that usually have two or more rings
carved into them representing the status of the Chief
whose house they guard.
The Watchmen are
known to have supernatural powers, and from their
position they look out in several directions to keep
watch over the village and out to sea. They protect
those within the dwelling by warning the Chief of any
approaching danger.
WOLF
The Wolf crest is
a result of an ancestor who visited the houses of the
wolves where he was taught certain songs and dances.
Upon returning home, he discovered that he had been
away for four years, although he throught it had only
been four days. He found that he was possessed by the
spirits of the Wolves.
In ceremonies, the
Wolf dance portrayed the kidnapping for the original
visit, and the remainder was a vivid dramatisation of
his rescue from the Wolf spirit influence. Of all the
animals, Wolves have the strongest supernatural powers.
They are the most proficient hunters of land animals
and were greatly respected for their cleverness.
A whale hunter
would paint a Lightning Snake on his canoe and then
paint over it. The Lightning Snake has the head of a
Wolf because it is revered for its cunning hunting
prowess. Although it was unseen by the whale, the power
of its presence on the canoe would aid the hunter to
make a strike.
Since Wolves might
bestow this hunting prowess on people, they were often
called upon as spirit helpers. The Coast Salish
believed that Wolves were the spirits of deceased
hunters. The Kwagiulth considered them to be ancestors,
and frequently impersonated them in religious
ceremonies.
As Wolves mate for
life and live in close family units usually trvelling
in packs, they are regarded as a family-oriented symbol
in West Coast Native culture.
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. The Wasgo is a combination Wolf and
Killer Whale.
WREN
MASK
The Wren mask is
representative of a population that existed in the
beginning of the world along with Raven, Otter, Mink,
etc. They were known to build their homes beneath grave
boxes when they were hung from trees.
The Wren was
associated with eliminating many of the creatures on
earth, due to their magical and spiritual qualities.
The Wren is a mythological creature with the features
of both human and bird.
Dream
Catchers
One of the most beautiful stories in
American Indian Mythology. A loop - its centre woven in
a web-like pattern - it is said in the night air there
are good dreams and bad dreams - the good dreams go
through the web into the one sleeping - While the bad
dreams become hopelessly tangled in the web where they
perish at the first light of Dawn - Made especially
with you in mind.
Medicine
Wheel
The Medicine Wheel is an important symbol in
Native culture. The circle represents the cycle of life
in that all life travels in a circular path. The four
spokes in the middle represent the four direction, the
four colours of man and the four faces of man
(physical, mental, emotional and spiritual). We hope
this symbolic wheel will bring you good feelings and
serve as a reminder that we are one with our world and
need to look after our home--Mother Earth.
Spirit
Chimes
This hand made shield has been inspired by
memories of those that have passed before us. Our
brothers and sisters of the animal world are
remembered. The circle represents the precious cycle of
life. When the chimes ring it is to remind us to pay
our respect to those who have traveled this path before
us.
Primitive
Images
This line has been created to honour our many
Nations. The designs, symbols and material from many
nations are brought together in "Primitive Images"
This collection represents & emphasizes the unity,
understanding and honour between our many cultures.
Each piece has been created in this spirit in the hope
that it will carry the healing powers of universal
peace to the wearer.
Hands
Across the Nation
This product line has been created
in recognition of the joining of hands across all
Nations on this earth as we reach out to help other
indigenous groups in their development. A percentage of
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Raven
finds the First Men
A
Raven Tale as told by Eldrbarry
This
tale I know was told among the Haida, and probably
other tribes of the Pacific Northwest.
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There
are different stories about how Raven created the world
and the first men. Some of them have the Raven forming
the first people out of clay. But I like this story.
After
the great flood had at long last receded, Raven had
gorged himself on the delicacies left by the receding
water, so for once, perhaps the first time in his life,
he wasn't hungry. but his other appetites, his
curiosity and the unquenchable itch to meddle and
provoke things, to play tricks on the world and its
creatures, these remained unsatisfied.
Raven
gazed up and down the beach. It was pretty, but
lifeless. There was no one about to upset, or play
tricks upon. Raven sighed. He crossed his wings behind
him and strutted up and down the sand, his shiny head
cocked, his sharp eyes and ears alert for any unusual
sight or sound. The mountains and sea, the sky now
ablaze with the sun by day and the moon and stars he
had placed there, it was all pretty, but lifeless.
Finally Raven cried out to the empty sky with a loud
exasperated cry.
And
before the echoes of his cry faded from the shore, he
heard a muffled squeak. He looked up and down the beach
for its source and saw nothing. He strutted back and
and forth, once, twice, three times and still saw
nothing. Then he spied a flash of white in the sand.
There,
half buried in the sand was a giant clamshell. As his
shadow fell upon it, he heard another muffled squeak.
Peering down into the opening between the halves of the
shell, he saw it was full of tiny creatures, cowering
in fear at his shadow.
Raven
was delighted. Here was a break in the monotony of the
day. But how was he to get the creatures to come out of
their shell and play with him? Nothing would happen as
long as they stayed inside the giant clamshell.
They
were not going to come out as long as they were so
afraid of him. So Raven leaned over his head, close to
the shell, and with all the cunning and skill of that
smooth trickster's tongue, that had so often gotten him
in and out of so many misadventures during his troubled
and troublesome existence, he coaxed and cajoled and
coerced the little creatures to come out and play in
his wonderful shiny new world.
As
you know the Raven has two voices, one harsh and
strident, and the other which he used now, a seductive,
bell-like croon which seems to come from the depth of
the sea, or out of the cave where winds are born. It is
an irresistable sound, one of the loveliest in the
world.
It
wasn't long before first one and then another of the
little shell-dwellers emerged from the shell. Some
scurried back when they saw the Raven, but eventually
curiosity overcame their caution and all of them had
crept or scrambled out.
Very
strange creatures they were: two legged like Raven, but
otherwise very different. They had no feathers. Nor
fur. They had no gret beak. Their skin was pale, and
they were naked except for the dark hair upon round,
flat-featured heads. Instead of strong wings like
raven, they had think stick-like arms that waved and
fluttered constantly. They were the first humans.
For a
long time Raven amused himself with these new
playthings. Laughing as they explored with wonder a
much expanded world. Sometimes they helped each other,
sometimes they fought over something they had found.
Raven even taught them some tricks, but soon he became
tired of their ceaseless activity.
For
one thing, they were so helpless out in the world. They
needed shelter from the sun and the rain. They were so
fearful and seemed so small. And there were no girls
among them, only boys. Raven was about to shove these
tired, demanding and annoying creatures back into their
shell and forget them, when, as so often happens with
Raven, he had an idea for some fun.
Raven
began to search for the girls. For it is the way of
things in the world that there are both males and
females of every creature. Somewhere there must be
girls. Raven searched and searched. Under logs and
behind rocks, he looked. But he could not find the
hiding place of the first girls.
But
as he searched, the tide was going out, and as it
reached its lowest, the Raven spotted some giant
Chitons clinging to the rocks. These giant shell fish
had but one shell, fastened tightly to the rocks with
huge soft lips around their edges. Raven pried one
loose with his beak. And there inside was a girl. He
pried off another, and another, and another in each was
a girl. They were very similar to the creatures he had
found in the clamshell, but more like the Chiton,
softer and rounder, in contrast to the hard shell and
strong muscles of the clam. And these were just as
frightened of the Raven. He gathered them onto his back
with difficulty, and brought them to the boys he had
found in the clamshell.
Raven
was expecting the boy creatures to be very happy he had
found the girl creatures, but to his surprise. They
were frightened of them and some even ran back into the
Giant clamshell to hide. The girl creatures were just
as shy and huddled together watching the males with
fearful and curious eyes. Both the boy and girl
creatures seemed very modest and sought to cover their
bodies with strips of kelp and woven sea weed from the
shore.
The
boy creatures were astonished and embarrassed and
confused by feelings they had never before had. They
didn't know how to behave. But some of them overcame
their fear and began to do things to attract the
attention of the girl creatures Raven had brought. Some
began to show off the tricks they had been taught -
leaping and running and wrestling with other boy
creatures. Some of the girls creatures overcame their
shyness, first with quick glances then finally allowing
the boy creatures to approach them, and even leaving
the safety of their huddled group of girl creatures.
Gradually the two groups began to mingle into one and
just as gradually the boy creatures and girl creatures
overcame all their fears and paired off, walking hand
in hand, their eyes absorbed in each other totally.
Raven
watched all this with increasing interest and surprise.
Among all the creatures of the world, there were few
whose males and females were so very different. The
males proud, agile and strong, the females gentle, soft
and tender. Sometimes the males would be too rough in
their play with the females and there would be tears.
But those same tears seemed to have an emotional power
over the males bringing out out of them protective
instincts. The strengths of each balanced the weakness
of each.
And
since that day, Raven has never been bored. In fact, at
times he has almost regreted bringing the first men and
women together. From the strong muscles of the clam and
the soft lips of the Chiton, from the pairing of these
first people came the first families. Children were
born, some strong and male, some soft and female. Many
generations have been born, have grown and flourished,
have built and created or fought and destroyed. Many
have blamed the Raven for playing a terrible joke on
humanity, for often men and women just barely get
along, but somehow from this strange combination of
reason and intuition, of muscle and emotion arose that
which was needed for the race to survive the storms of
life on the shores.
Raven
himself felt strange protective urges for these first
people. Though a glutton and trickster by nature, he
would again and again provide for these creatures he
found in the clamshell. In time he would bring them the
Sun, Moon and Stars; Fire; Salmon and Cedar, teach them
the secrets of hunting, and the world. Raven would
watch these weak creatures become both strong and
loving, courageous and compassionate, able to fend for
themselves and survive.
And
their children were no timid shell-dwellers, but they
continued to be children of the wild coast, of the
stormy shores between the land and the sea. They
challenged the strength of the stormy north Pacific
wresting their livelihoods from the sea even as they
made their homes on its shores.
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Sgaana
Xaaydagaay:
Killer Whale people
The
Haida spirit world is inhabited by many creatures
from the sea, known as Tsagan xaaydagaay, or the
underwater people. |
Killer whales.
Sculpture in yellow cedar by
Robert Davidson.
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In
their earthly form, the underwater people appear as
halibut, sharks, sea lions and most other mammals
and fish from the sea. |
Killer whale (rhun),
pencil drawing by Tom Price.
|
In
the spirit world, however, they take the form of
humans.
Sgaana
xaaydagaay, the killer whale people, are among the
most powerful of the people from the sea. |
Killer whale/ Human
transformation.
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Human/ killerwhale transformation.
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Many
stories tell of Haida ancestors putting on skins of
killer whales to enter the realm of the spirit
world, where killer whale people and humans visit,
communicate and feast together. |
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A
model pole carved in yellow cedar by Robert
Davidson shows killer whale in two states.
Variations on
the Killer whale Myth. |
At
the bottom is the killer whale in animal form as in
our world.
Above it, it is in human form as
in the spirit world. They share the same
tail.
Above them is Thunderbird. |
(
Killer whale in human form as in the spirit world
)
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|
(
Killer whale in animal form as in our world
)
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|
(The
full scale version of this pole is one of three
poles by Robert Davidson now in the PepsiCo
International Sculpture Park in Purchase, New
York.)
 |
Native
Lore: The Frogs And The Crane
Native American
Lore
In the
heart of the woods there lay a cool, green pond. The
shores of the pond were set with ranks of tall
bulrushes that waved crisply in the wind, and in the
shallow bays there were fleets of broad water lily
leaves. Among the rushes and reeds and in the quiet
water there dwelt a large tribe of Frogs.
On every
warm night of spring, the voices of the Frogs arose in
a cheerful chorus. Some voices were low and
deep---these were the oldest and wisest of the Frogs;
at least, they were old enough to have learned wisdom.
Some were high and shrill, and these were the voices of
the little Frogs who did not like to be reminded of the
days when they had tails and no legs.
"Kerrump!
kerrump! I'm chief of this pond!" croaked a very
large bullfrog, sitting in the shade of a water lily
leaf.
"Kerrump!
kerrump! I'm chief of this pond!" replied a hoarse
voice from the opposite bank.
"Kerrump!
kerrump! I'm chief of this pond!" boasted a third
old Frog from the furthest shore of the pond.
Now a
long-legged white Crane was standing near by, well
hidden by the coarse grass that grew at the water's
edge. He was very hungry that evening, and when he
heard the deep voice of the first Bullfrog he stepped
briskly up to him and made a quick pass under the broad
leaf with his long, cruel bill. The old Frog gave a
frightened croak, and kicked violently in his efforts
to get away, while over the quiet pond, splash! splash!
went the startled little Frogs into deep water.
The Crane
almost had him, when something cold and slimy wound
itself about one of his legs. He drew back for a
second, and the Frog got safely away! But the Crane did
not lose his dinner after all, for about his leg was
curled a large black water snake, and that made a fair
meal.
Now he
rested awhile on one leg, and listened. The first Frog
was silent, but from the opposite bank the second Frog
croaked boastfully:
"Kerrump!
kerrump! I'm chief of this pond!"
The Crane
began to be hungry again. He went round the pond
without making any noise, and pounced upon the second
Frog, who was sitting up in plain sight, swelling his
chest with pride, for he really thought now that he was
the sole chief of the pond.
The
Crane's head and most of his long neck disappeared
under the water, and all over the pond the little Frogs
went splash! splash! into the deepest holes to be out
of the way.
Just as
he had the Frog by one hind leg, the Crane saw
something that made him let go, flap his broad wings
and fly awkwardly away to the furthest shore. It was a
mink, with his slender brown body and wicked eyes, and
he had crept very close to the Crane, hoping to seize
him at his meal! So the second Frog got away too; but
he was so dreadfully frightened that he never spoke
again.
After a
long time the Crane got over his fright and he became
very hungry once more. The pond had been still so long
that many of the Frogs were singing their pleasant
chorus, and above them all there boomed the deep voice
of the third and last Bullfrog, saying:
"Kerrump!
kerrump! I'm chief of this pond!"
The Crane
stood not far from the boaster, and he determined to
silence him once for all. The next time he began to
speak, he had barely said "Kerrump!" whe the
Crane had him by the leg. He croaked and struggled in
vain, and in another moment he would have gone down the
Crane's long throat. But just then a Fox crept up
behind the Crane and seized him! The Crane let go the
Frog and was carried off screaming into the woods for
the Fox's supper. So the third Frog got away; but he
was badly lamed by the Crane's strong bill, and he
never dared to open his mouth again.
It is not
a wise thing to boast too loudly.
The
Medicine Wheel
The
Circles of Life
In many
Native American cultures, there is a vital
representative of life known as the "Medicine
Wheel". This circular pattern, no matter how
portrayed, represents the every aspect of life.
Usually this consists of the 7 directions: west,
north, east, south, sky/heavens, earth, and inner
self. In this particular medicine wheel, it shows how
all 7 directions intertwine with each other. I have
only a little knowledge of two cultures, the Sioux and
the Cherokee. However, my Cherokee knowledge does
surpass my knowledge of the Sioux, therefore I will
give only a very brief explanation of the Sioux's
medicine wheel. After that I will be using only the
Cherokee way of thinking.
And please be advised
here, I will represent this in the Indian way of
thinking. But I will also add scripture from time to
time to back up what the Cherokees believe. So if you
are offended to either or both, then please don't
continue. You may be disappointed to see that the
Cherokee or Sioux way of belief and the Bible are
quite compatible.
The
Sioux Way of Life
First
I will present the Sioux reference in the four
directions. They start with the west, then continue
clockwise to the south, then add the Father Sky,
Mother Earth, and the inner self. The west is
represented with the black, where the Thunder Beings
(black) reside. This is from where the rains come, a
necessity to life existing on Mother Earth. The north
is the place of rest, from where the snow (white)
comes, giving Mother Earth a rest. Next is the east,
from where the sun (yellow)rises, a new awakening, a
better understanding. And south is where the journey
is completed, the spiritual (red) aspect, life after
death. From here we continue our journey on.
The
Father Sky, the heavens is represented by the color
blue. This is where the Great Spirit resides. In the
skies are the stars and the comets, and other wondrous
signs that shout that only the Creator could have
created the whole universe, making it work in harmony
and unity. And it is towards this direction our
prayers are directed. Mother Earth, represented by the
color green, is what feeds us, nourishes us. The
Father Sky rains on Mother Earth and produces plants
for animals to eat, in which turn we have the honor to
gather both for our ourishment. And then you have the
spotted eagle that represents the part of Grandfather,
the Great Spirit, has placed within us, to guide us
and direct us adhering to His will.
The
Cherokee Way of Life
The
Cherokee, as you will see, are very close to the
Sioux. A few colors are changed, but all in all, the
direction represents almost the same. First I will
give a brief description as I did for the Sioux. Then
I will give a much more detailed aspect of what each
direction represent, especially the Four cardinal
directions.
To start the life cycle is the
south, white, purity, natural things born into
innocence. And the west, black, represents the
physical growth of all things. North is blue, as the
blue-white of the snow, where it is time to allow our
minds to grow and put aside our physical, allowing it
rest. Eastward is red from where the sun rises, which
represents the spiritual aspects, completion of the
total aspect of a full balanced human life.
The
sky, the heavens, are represented by the color yellow
(happiness in Cherokee), while the earth is
represented by the color brown, representative of
ever-changing world and the Sacred Fire that resides
in us is green. Once the circle is completed by the
spiritual aspect, then the journey starts again as
pure, forgiven, fresh in the south and then we
continue on through the circle of life enduring to,
yet never completely reaching, perfection in a
balanced life. And in all this, the heavens, the
earth, and the Sacred Fire all intertwine with every
area of our life as we are striving for harmony with
all creation.
The
South - Uganowv
To
start with a more in-depth study of the Cherokee, we
need to carefully study every direction represented in
the seven directions. I will start with the south as
this is the start of every natural life. When we are
born, we are born pure, innocent, unaffected by the
influences, bad and good, of life. Thus the color
white, without blot or blemish. This part represents
every creation, not only man. All of nature resides in
this area. And this is the area that shows how we
should treat nature, all creation, with respect and
complete brotherhood.
This is the direction we,
our spiritual beings born into the flesh. Knowing
this, children should be treated with respect,
protected and nurtured in the knowledge that it is the
children that are closest to knowing the will and ways
of the Father. Biblically, Jesus said in Matthew 18
that unless we become as little children, we will
never enter into the kingdom of heaven. And if anyone
should cause a child to do wrong, they would be better
off if they had drowned themselves at that very
moment! And again later in the next chapter He says
that the kingdom of heaven belong to children, so
don't hinder them!
Therefore, this agrees with
the Cherokee belief that we are born in innocence and
purity at the closest time of our earthly lives to the
Father as we have ever been. Children are to be
treated with the greatest of respect. And yet it is
still our responsibility to teach our children the
"rules" of this world, but without beating
down their God-given spirit. It is true that each of
us are born individuals and that each of us have our
own will. And it is up to the parents to help guide
this child in this "new" world they've
entered in to make their own decisions, yet be open to
the Creator's will and purpose for putting us here and
not teach them the wrong ways of the world. And here I
must note, we should teach our children there such a
thing as "right and wrong" according to God,
the Father and His teachings. And this is not only
Biblical, but historically lived. (If you are
interested, you can visit my page for the every day
Cherokee way of living the right way at living
life.)
The
West - Wudeligv
It
seems that most culture have the west as being
represented as the color black. Black is because of
the early teachings of the darkened land. This is
where the sun sets.
The west represents our
physical life. Our bodies, our competitive urges, the
things that become sacred in our lives, and absolutely
our "helping others" in every physical
means. This should be thought of as our "teenage"
or adolescent years in life. This is where we are
growing up after discovering the "ways" of
the world and trying to become a part of it. And if I
may, this is where most of us focus on our physical
fitness of our bodies. Also, beauty and ugliness of
the physical "skin-deep" theories are
gathered in by us as individuals. If we aren't taught
correctly before and during this stage in life, these
bad things will enter in and have more of an impact on
that could disrupt the harmony needed to live a
balanced life.
Yet at the same time, the west
brings out our competitive nature which is good for us
as individuals. It brings on humility in the areas
where we don’t excel in, and in reverse, give us
a little ego boost where our strengths are. Through
this, with an appropriately developed mind, we will
learn where to apply ourselves, how best to put
ourselves forward in a way that will produce the best
results and know what to avoid. For example, not
wasting our abilities on a wrong "career"
that becomes fruitless and miserable because though we
may have wanted to do "this", but through a
well-balanced learning and knowing who we are and
applying our God-given talent where it was to be put
in the first place, we can ultimately focus our
physical abilities on where they are best applied,
thus being better balanced within ourselves.
At
and the same time maintaining a well-balanced nature
of life, keeping what we learned/knew from the south
in purity, as a child in mind and growing upon
that.
The
North - Uhyvdlv
The
north, represented by the wonderful relaxing bluish
colors of the snow while Mother Earth rests, brings us
to the area/time of our lives where we should start
developing our mentality, our knowledge, and start
leaving behind the physical desires. These are our
adult years. And this is where wisdom first begins,
though not in completeness, and actually not even
touching any more than the surface! This is where we
begin to learn and apply what we have learned and then
begin to share our lessons in life with others,
teaching them our own lessons in life to help them
with their paths. This is where we first become
"relaxed" with ourselves, to stop chasing
obscure things, to begin to realize what our true
purpose in life is to be and start applying it to our
lives.
It is at this time of life, you should
give your body a rest, yet remembering there is still
a balance to maintain, but here you should focus on
developing your mind with as much enthusiasm as you
did your mind over matter." But you mustfirst
develop your mind enough to know what you can and
cannot control. There is so much more to learn in this
world besides how to always be on top, how to look and
perform our best according to others' expectations,
and other such trivial ideas.
We must learn in
this particular time of our life how to balance the
natural, physical and mental point in our own life and
still yet start building on the next cycle, the
spiritual. And the mental part is essential, just as
physical health learned in the west, and the purity
learned in the south. And all this is still in unity
with the spiritual aspect of ourselves. This is where
we learn to think and reason for ourselves, not
depending on others to tell us how "this is"
and how "that was", but to see it for
ourselves and learn our own lessons from what "we"
have seen. Of course, we are to learn from our elders
and these lessons should always be kept close to our
hearts and taken from, but we need to exercise our own
minds, learning how to think for ourselves, in case of
situations in which we have no one to give us help
through the problems. And to learn how to focus on the
Creator to give us answers.
The
East - Kalvgv
The
east is of course where the sun rises, and associated
with fire, represented by red. It represents the
spiritual aspect of our circular path. (And I always
love to point out that this is also the direction that
Jesus said He would return to the Earth.) However,
this is not to be confused with the "Sacred Fire"
that I will get to later. The east actually refers to
our "spirit" and the growth of our personal
spirit. It is believed to be the direction from which
our spirit first enters into this world to be joined
with our fleshly bodies.
Now the Cherokee start
their prayers of a morning facing east, in this way
acknowledging our spiritual direction and the “Morning
Star” from where could be gathered wisdom. But
if the prayer time is more indepth than the morning
prayer of thanks, then they would turn and face each
direction praying for whatever guidance/strength they
need. There are traditions that include immersing
one’s self in water (many times on a daily
basis), but I will not get into detail here. When the
Cherokee’s prayed, they felt they needed to rid
themselves of uncleanness that could keep the Creator
from hearing them or working with them and this is the
importance of water. Even though the “answer”
might be right there in front of them, their eyes
could be blinded to the fact. Now water was used as a
representation of getting rid of filth, just like the
baptism ritual today. And all this is backed up with
scriptures in the Bible.
Father
Sky - Galvlohi
From
the heavens can be seen the glory of God’s
creation. It is also from the sky that rain comes to
cause things to grow on Mother Earth and provides us
warmth. And it is from this all of nature is able to
prosper and be nourished. The sky is represented by
the color yellow, as in the sun. It represents
happiness/peace and also is the abode of the Above
Beings in which the ancient Cherokee believed there
were three. And the sky envelops the world in full,
surrounding it on all sides and even reaching to the
ground.
Mother
Earth - Elohi
The
earth is represented by the color brown, the color of
the ground. Another term used meaning below is
hawinaditlv. It is of the earth all of the creation
are made from. And it is of the earth from where we
find our life-sustaining needs, especially the plants
and animals. The plants are here to provide medicine,
shelter and food. The animals provide food, shelter,
companionship and many other daily provisions. Before
we take of any life from another whose purpose it is
to provide themselves for us, we should always ask
their permission and then thank them properly for
their giving up of their life. This is only proper
manners, sincere respect, not worshipping as some have
believed. And when searching for herbs, plants, or
other like things, one should leave the first 4 to 7
they find according to availability. This is a way of
“tithing” and a way of making sure you are
not going to take the last of a kind.
The
Sacred Fire/Center - Ahani
This
is where the part of God has set His Spirit in us, to
“attach” us with Him. This is represented
by the color green which to the Cherokee green is the
same word for "a new thing/kind". This is
how the Creator talks to us. I find it compares very
well to the Christian theory of the His Spirit living
within us. The Bible does over and over again talk
about the fire of God. And when the Holy Spirit was
seen over the heads of the believers in Acts, He was
seen as tongues of fire.
This Sacred Fire
resides in us teaching us through our conscience,
leading us away from wrong, into the right. Many
times, we must stop and listen in a quiet place,
preferably in the middle of nature, being as one with
the Creator’s work. When we stop, then we can
hear His voice much better. We should listen to His
voice. The Sacred Fire touches every part of our
lives, every part of the circle of life. And this is
why the Sacred Fire that burns in the Cherokee lands
should not be allowed to go out. It is representative
of God and His Fire. And it is believed that the
original Sacred Fire was given to us by Jesus when He
visited our lands.
And from here, we continue
on the circle of life, starting again in the south,
working with the natural/pure, the physical, the
mental, the spirital, bringing them all together in
harmony, understanding each of them and always being
influenced by the Sky, Earth, and the Sacred Fire that
resides in each of us.
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