Totems

Frog Totem with Painted Raven
Cecilia Adams (Gitxsan)

These works are hand-painted and colour features may vary. Frogs are both social, vocal and are a...

These works are hand-painted and colour features may vary. Frogs are both social, vocal and are associated with the power of transformation and the ability to traverse worlds. As the primary spirit helpers of shamans, frogs are communicators and often represent the voice of the people. Frogs were often carved at the top of totem poles to symbolize the communication of warnings or impending danger. Frog is generally given large eyes, prominent lips with a projecting tongue and webbed feet.

Eagle Totem
Cecilia Adams (Gitxsan)

These works are hand-painted and colour features may vary.Eagle is one of the most important bein...

These works are hand-painted and colour features may vary.Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is respected for its intel­ligence and power, as well as its extraordinary vision, in both the literal and figurative senses. Eagles in myth are, likewise, usu­ally noble characters. Eagle is revered as a powerful hunter. Groups of mythical Eagles may gather for co-operative whale hunting expeditions, since, unlike the giant Thunderbird, Eagle...

Eagle and Frog Totem Pole
Cecilia Adams (Gitxsan)

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is ...

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is respected for its intel­ligence and power, as well as its extraordinary vision, in both the literal and figurative senses. Eagles in myth are, likewise, usu­ally noble characters. Eagle is revered as a powerful hunter. Groups of mythical Eagles may gather for co-operative whale hunting expeditions, since, unlike the giant Thunderbird, Eagle is not strong enough to hunt whales alone. Eagle may ofte...

Bear with Salmon Totem Pole
Perry LaFortune (Salish)

Bear is a dominant crest symbol. Bears are closely related to humans especially when standing on ...

Bear is a dominant crest symbol. Bears are closely related to humans especially when standing on their hind legs, bridging the human and non-human realms. Their strength and intelligence are universally respected and they are considered to be helping spirits of warriors. Bear is often depicted with a short snout, round paws, stubby tail and bared teeth.Salmon is fundamental to all coastal peoples, and is a symbol of regeneration, health and life. Many myths tell of people taken to the underse...

Salish Salmon Charmer
Luke Marston (Salish)

This sculpture tells the story of an infamous Salish Salmon Charmer. The fisherman, although blin...

This sculpture tells the story of an infamous Salish Salmon Charmer. The fisherman, although blind, knew of the most fruitful fishing spots. Salmon is fundamental to all coastal peoples, and is a symbol of regeneration and life.This piece was carved from old growth red cedar. The three salmon are carved from the same log as the charmer and the base. The removable rattle held in the figure’s left hand is carved from yellow cedar and is fully functional.

Raven Totem Pole
Cecilia Adams (Gitxsan)

These works are hand-painted and colour features may vary. Raven is one of the most important fig...

These works are hand-painted and colour features may vary. Raven is one of the most important figures in the oral traditions of the Northwest Coast. As a cultural hero, a transformer, and a trickster, his adventures at the beginning of time brought the world as we know it now into existence. It was Raven who placed the sun, moon and stars in the sky after stealing them from a supernatural chief. Raven also discovered the first humans and released them into the world.

Eagle Nai
Robert Davidson (Haida)

Width of Pole: 34" WBase: 4" H x 46" L x 26" WEagle Nai is symbolic of the House of the Eagle. Ea...

Width of Pole: 34" WBase: 4" H x 46" L x 26" WEagle Nai is symbolic of the House of the Eagle. Eagle's face is shown at the bottom of the pole, the hole represents the doorway with human faces on top. The design on the back of the totem pole is delightful as well but viewing the piece from one side doesn't take anything away from its appeal.This totem was exhibited in the exhibition "Robert Davidson Progression of Form" at the Gordon Smith Gallery in Vancouver in 2015. Since then it has remai...

Southeast Wind, Killer Whale Pole
Robert Davidson (Haida)

Southeast Wind is a Killer Whale with Human and Wiid, a supernatural Haida bird. The two holes re...

Southeast Wind is a Killer Whale with Human and Wiid, a supernatural Haida bird. The two holes represent the eyes of the Killer Whale. Around Wiid's head at the base of the pole is the mouth of Killer Whale and the tail is at the top, surrounding Human.Killer Whale is widely considered to be a clan ancestor. Living in human form in undersea villages, killer whale is often thought to be a reincarnation of great chiefs and are associated with wealth, unity and travel. This totem pole was part o...