The Beaver
The Beaver in Native American tradition teaches people to be productive and not limit their options. He teaches us to be persistent and to use available resources. The Beaver helps people understand the dynamics of teamwork and to appreciate each individual’s talents and contributions in order to accomplish anything. He is a builder of the mind, body, and soul and symbolizes creativity, creation, cooperation, persistence and harmony. The Beaver is also a hard worker and will not quit his job until he is done.
Beaver Transformation Mask by Talon George, Kwakwaka'wakw
Beaver Symbol and First Nations
A Haida legend tells of a great hunter who lived along a river. This hunter traveled away in search of new hunting land with his wife. After days of travelling the hunter decided to build a home for himself and his wife. After the home was built the hunter said to his wife that he would leave for two days and one night, he would be back before the second night. After two days, he came back and was very happy with his wife. Eventually, he left again this time for a longer period. While the hunter was away the wife would occupy herself by swimming in the nearby stream. When the hunter came back the couple would enjoy each other’s company. One day the hunter decided that his now pregnant wife was used to being alone and that he could go on a long hunting trip. While he was gone his wife would spend her time in the creek, it wasn’t a very deep creek so she decided to build a dam out of leftover wood from their house. Eventually, the dam created a lake, where she could swim all day. She then built a room in the dam so she could rest during the day and at night she would go back to the house. The hunter’s child was due any day when he came home from his trip, but as he looked around for his wife, she was nowhere to be seen. The hunter circled the lake and walked up and down the creek in hopes of finding his wife. Suddenly a figure emerged from the lake. It was a strange animal, with a stick in its mouth that it was gnawing. On each side of the animal were two smaller ones, also gnawing sticks. Then the largest figure spoke. "Don't be sad! It is I, your wife, and your two children. We have returned to our home in the water. Now that you have seen me, you will use me as a crest.”
Native Art - The Beaver Symbol
Silver Repousse Beaver Pendant by Derek White, Haida
Spirits of the West Coast Native Art Gallery sells Beaver Symbol prints, Native American Jewelry, Beaver Native carvings, Beaver ceremonial masks, gold and silver bracelets and bentwood boxes, all inspired by the Beaver Symbol.
Contributions
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