Owl

Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.

Owl is a nocturnal hunting bird found on the Northwest Coast; however, it is an uncommon depiction in Northwest Coast art. Among the Gitxsan, Owl is a family crest symbol and therefore more frequently seen. The Gitxsan village of Kispiox, for example, has many depictions of Owl on its totem poles. Some nations, such as the Kwakwaka’wakw, believe that the sound of the Owl was a call to summon the spirit world. Owl can be identified by large forward-facing eyes, a small, hooked beak, and pointed ears which may acknowledge its acute hearing.
1 items

Spirit Guide
Maynard Johnny Jr. (Salish)

Edition /100This print is only available framed.Owls are believed to have great supernatural powe...

Edition /100This print is only available framed.Owls are believed to have great supernatural powers on the Northwest Coast and the White Owl is a family crest in some regions. Owl is associated with wisdom, foreknowledge, and perception, and is strongly associated with the spirit world. Owls have been known to be both Witches in disguise as well as the aids of Shaman in the pursuit of good. Owl can be identified by large, round eyes, sharp talons, a short hooked beak that comes to a V, and po...

$1,000.00