“Bear is one of the most prevalent figures in crest and shamanic art, as well as in myths. It is considered to be a close relation of humankind… as a close relation, the bear is a link between the human non-human realms, as well as between the secular natural realm and the divine or supernatural.” (Shearar 1990:20) – Undertstanding Northwest Coast Art: A Guide to Crests, Beings and Symbols
