Haida Symbols
Beaver
This Beaver drum design by Haida artist Claude Davidson was painted on Sarah’s drum. The beaver is an eagle moiety crest for the Haida Staatas Eagle Clan. The beaver were introduced to Haida Gwaii. They represent working in harmony with nature and are found at the bottom of clan crest totem poles representing strength, protection and a strong sense of family. There are Haida mythological stories were beaver and raven are in conflict.
Bear
This bear design was created by Haida artist Claude Davidson from the side of an argillite box that was carved by Claude. The grizzly bear or brown bear is not found on Haida Gwaii today. It may have been present in ancient time because a skull from a grizzly was found in a cave in recent time. The grizzly bear is a moiety crest for the yahgulanaas raven clan. It is on the bottom of a totem crest pole outside the Haida Arts & Jewellery Gallery in Old Massett. The Bear is a guardian spirit who protects and inspires one with its power and stength.
Butterfly
The above butterfly design was created by Haida artist April White from a hand pulled serigraph. The butterfly is a symbol of change or metamorphosis and helps one accept change to reach new balance and grace. Butterfly acts as a scout and messenger in many of the Haida myth stories about Raven and Eagle.
Eagle
The eagle original acrylic painting above was painted by Haida artist Theodore Bell. Eagle is one of the two main clan crest of the Haida Nation. The Haida are a matrilinear society so that there clan is inherited from their mother. If your mother is an Eagle then you are an eagle. The Eagle spirit gives us vision and insight. Eagles power and grace allows us to connect with our creator.
Dogfish or Shark
The dogfish limited edition print above was created by Haida artist Thomas Adams. The Dogfish or Shark is a Raven clan moiety crest for the Yaguulanaas clan. The dogfish is seen on the top of the totem pole in front of the Haida Arts & Jewellery Gallery in Old Massett. The dogfish spirit represents leadership, persistence and strength. The dogfish has a fierceness in his nature that gives it bravery and uniqueness.
Dragonfly
The original acrylic painting above was created by Haida artist Theodore Bell. The beautiful dragonfly spirit helps us to look for the good in ourselves and all other creatures. It gives us swiftness of motion and helps us with change through transformation.
Frog
The limited edition silk screen frog design above was created by Haida artist Claude Davidson. It was originally painted on a spruce root hat that was woven by Haida artist Grace Wilson Dewitt .Frog spirit gives us the ability to see how we are treating mother nature. Known as the communicator frog is the voice of the people and symbolizes cleansing, peace and rebirth. Frog is often in the mouth of bear on totem poles. The pole in front of the Haida Arts & Jewellery Gallery in Old Massett has frog in grizzly bears mouth at the bottom of the totem.
Halibut
The above argillite pendant was carved by Haida artist Myles Edgars. The halibut spirit represents strength and stability. The halibut is one of the main fish eaten by the Haida Gwaii people.
Heron
The blue heron design above was created by Haida artist April White from a hand pulled serigraph. The heron represents patience and strength. It is a member of the Ardeidae Clan.
Hummingbird
The hummingbird design above was created from a hand pulled serigraph by Haida artist April White. The hummingbird is a member of the Trochilidae Clan. The hummingbird spirit a messenger of peace, joy, love and good fortune.
Beaver
The limited-edition silk screen of killer whale above was created by Haida artist Cooper Wilson. Killer whale spirit helps Haida to go to the spirit world after death under the sea. Killer whale travel in family groups and represent solidarity. They mate for life and also represent romance, kindness, intelligence and compassion.
Moon
The acrylic painting above painted by Haida artist Theodore Bell tells the story when White Raven gave light to the world. The moon gives us sight at the darkest time. It allows us the most spirituality when it as its brightest.
Owl
The owl design above was created from a hand pulled serigraph by Haida artist April White. The Owl is the bridge between the spiritual world and the physical world. The owl is linked to wisdom and ancient knowledge.
Raven
The limited edition silk screen print of raven was created by Haida artist Cooper Wilson. Raven is known as the creator who can transform into anything. Raven found the Haida people in a clam shell on the beach at Rose Spit on northern Haida Gwaii. Raven brought light and water to the world. He is the trickster but he also teaches us about right from wrong. Raven is known to inspire creativity.
Salmon
The original painting of salmon and salmon egg was created by Haida artist Kevin Jager The salmon spirit represents our determination for the on going struggle for survival. The salmon symbolizes instinct, and persistence.
Sea Sculpin
The original acrylic painting above was painted by Haida artist Theodore Bell. The Sea sculpin represents prestige and wealth. He is a spirit helper.
Wasco
The original painting of wasco and killer whales was created by Haida artist Amos Williams Wasco is a sea wolf that hunts killer whales for food. Often wasco has a curled tail and numerous dorsal fins. His head looks like a wolves head.
Wolf
The original acrylic painting of wolf in moon above was created by Haida artist Theodore Bell. There are no wolves on Haida Gwaii. Wolf represents our strong ties to family. It is a strong and powerful spirit.