Beaver is a significant crest figure on the Northwest Coast. Beaver is known as an elder who keeps to themselves and only gets involved in the affairs of others if they are important. Beavers are known as the builders of the lodges and homes that support the family unit. In one story the first ancestral Beaver was a woman while in other stories Beaver is one of Raven’s uncles. They are very industrious and territorial animals. Beaver is often depicted with pronounced front teeth, scaly tails and small claws. Sometimes Beaver is also shown with a harelip.
