Animal Symbols
Animal Totems are particularly associated with the Totem Poles that are created by six tribes of Northwest Natives, the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The names of the Northwest Tribes who carved Animal Totems on Totem Poles were the Tlingit, Haida, Bella Coola, Kwakiutl, Tsimshian and the West Coast tribes. Animal Totems and symbols are carved and painted on to long wooden poles that represented the emblems of clans or families and relate to their belief in Totemism. Animal totems were believed to have spiritual significance and watched over the family, clan, or tribe symbolizing their guardian spirit or helper. Animal Totems were not worshipped but they inspired immense respect. Refer to Totem Pole Art and Design for additional facts and information about the design of Totem Poles and their symbolism.
Bear
The BEAR is known for its human-like qualities and caring for family. The Bear is a symbol of strength, power and honor.
Butterfly
The Butterfly represents freedom and spirituality.
Crow
The crow is a helper animal in the traditional stories.
Dogfish
The Dogfish is Known for bringing good fortune and prosperity, according to the ancient stories.
Dragonfly
The DRAGONFLY symbolizes diligence, hard work and perseverance.
Eagle
The EAGLE is revered for its beauty, regal nature and signifies peace, spirituality and friendship.
Frog
The FROG is a symbol of innocence, stability and communication. It is known as a bringer knowledge and wealth.
Halibut
This is a popular crest among the northern Northwest coast Indigenous tribes and plays an important role in traditional culture.
Hawk
The HAWK is recognizable by its hooked beak, and is known for its keen eyesight which symbolizes vision and judgment.
Heron
Heron is known as a helper - after the great flood many animals tried to dive to the seafloor but were unable, then Heron dived deeper than all of them and returned with a handful of soil that Raven transformed into the lands that we inhabit today.
Hummingbird
The HUMMINGBIRD is a gentle creature, and is known for its fortitude and ability to overcome great obstacles. The Hummingbird symbolizes peace, healing and joy.
Killerwhale
The Orca and the Killerwhale are terms for the same animal, and is a crest belonging to high ranking families on the Northwest coast.
Loon
In the ancient stories the Loon takes the hero under the sea, or under a mystic mountain to other realms. The Loon symbolizes a doorway or a new stage or period of life.
Mountain Goat
The Mountain Goat is highly regarded in Northwest Native traditional culture. It symbolizes perseverance, hard-working and courage.
Octopus
In the ancient stories the Octopus was a powerful creature that lived in the undersea world. It was a time when animals and people could transform, and one story tells of the Octopus taking a chief’s wife for his own, and years later the Octopus / human children returning from the world under the sea to live in their father’s village.
Orca
The ORCA is the Lord of the Ocean and the most respected of all sea creatures. The Orca symbolize s wealth and long life.
Otter
The Otter is highly regarded in traditional Northwest coast Native culture. Its fur was highly prized and was worn by chiefs. It is a symbol of sociability, kindliness and good intent.
Owl
The OWL symbolizes wisdom, long life and one who gives advice.
Puffin
The Puffin was highly regarded in traditional culture. It was rare and was used to adorn chief’s ceremonial regalia.
Raven
The RAVEN is known as the trickster because of his quick wit and sense of humor. He is curious and symbolizes creativity, prestige and knowledge.
Salmon
The SALMON is a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Every four years they return to the river where they were born, and are highly respected by all the tribes of Pacific coast.
Sea Serpent
Also known as a Sisiutl, it is a mythical animals that is popular in the ancient stories. It could give great power to anyone who possessed it.
Sun
The Sun symbolizes the father of mankind and is a creator symbol.
The Loon
In the ancient stories the Loon takes the hero under the sea, or under a mystic mountain to other realms. The Loon symbolizes a doorway or a new stage or period of life.
Thunderbird
The THUNDERBIRD is the most powerful of all mythical creatures, and symbolizes personal power and a link to the spirit world.
Turtle
The TURTLE symbolizes honesty, steadfastness, and determination. North American is known as Turtle Island to some Native American tribes.
Wasgo
Wasgo is a supernatural sea-creature that is part wolf and whale. It is a common crest animal among the northern First Nations.
Wolf
The WOLF is known for its association with spiritual power. It is a symbol of family, unity and spirituality.