Native American Symbols

Native American Symbols and Crests play an important part in the culture and history of First Nations in North America. Each animal, spirit and supernatural being represents and symbolizes different stories, traits, personality and values.

The close relationships with animals, spirits and supernatural beings are well  represented in many First Nations Cultures, by stories that are passed down through generations. Many Northwest Coast First Nation families have their own distinct stories, that they present at potlatches on very special occasions. These stories are often told through masked dancers and songs. 

Click on a link below to learn more about each Native American Symbols and the Native Art that is inspired by this animal.

Indigenous cedar Bear Mask hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Junior Henderson

The Bear
The Beaver Symbol - Native Art Gallery

The Beaver
The Bee

The Bee
The Butterfly

The Butterfly
Indigenous Dogfish Woman pendant in yew wood hand-carved by Haida artist Ron Ross

The Dogfish/Shark Woman
Indigenous Dragonfly serigraph print by Haida artist April White

The Dragonfly
Indigenous cedar Eagle panel sandblasted by Kwakiutl artist Trevor Hunt

The Eagle
Indigenous Raven and Frog hand-carved by Haida artist Garner Moody

The Frog
Indigenous gold Hummingbird bracelet hand-carved by Haida artist Carmen Goertzen

The Hummingbird
Indigenous Komokwa Mask pendant hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Kevin Cranmer

The Komokwa/King of the Undersea World
Indigenous cedar Loon Paddle hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Bill Henderson

The Loon
Indigenous argillite Moon pendant hand-carved by Haida artist Amy Edgars

The Moon
The Mouse Woman

The Mouse Woman
The Octopus

The Octopus
Indigenous argillite Orca pendant hand-carved by Haida artist Darrell White

The Orca/Killer Whale
Indigenous cedar Owl Mask hand-carved by Kwakwakwa'wakw artist Greg Henderson

The Owl
Indigenous Raven Capturing Light print by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr.

The Raven
Indigenous silver and abalone Salmon earrings hand-carved by Kwakwakwa'wakw artist Chris Cook

The Salmon
The Sculpin

The Sculpin
The Sea Otter

The Sea Otter
Indigenous Sisiutl Sea Serpent and Sun painting by K'omoks artist Karver Everson

The Sisiutl or Sea Serpent
Indigenous cedar Sun Mask hand-carved by Namgis artist Shawn Karpes

The Sun
Indigenous cedar Thunderbird totem pole hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Junior Henderson

The Thunderbird
The Wild Man of the Woods

The Wild Man of the Woods
The Wild Woman of the Woods

The Wild Woman of the Woods
Indigenous cedar Wolf Panel by Tahltan artist Alano Edzerza

The Wolf