Silver Killerwhale/Human bracelet
by Derek Wilson

The legend of the Killerwhale is a tale of Natcitlaneh who was abandoned on an island by his brothers-in-law who were jealous of his prowess as a hunter. He was rescued by the Sea Lions and taken to their village in a cave where he healed their Chief. In gratitude, the Sea Lions gave him supernatural powers, which enabled him to carve eight wooden Killerwhales. These Whales came to life when they were placed in the sea and avenged him by killing his brothers-in-law.

As a mark of respect, Natcitlaneh built a house and named it Killerwhale House. According to the legend, the ancestors visited the house located at the bottom of the ocean to obtain rights to use the Killerwhale as a crest. 

Held in great awe for its power and size, it was believed a Killerwhale could capture a canoe and take it underwater to transform the occupants into Whales. Thus a whale near the shore was a human transformed and trying to communicate with his family.  The Haida believe that Killerwhales appearing in front of a village were drowned persons returning to communicate with its lost family.

The Killerwhale, like the Wolf, stays with its family and travels in large pods.  It is also considered to be a powerful hunter of the sea, being the sea manifestation of the Wolf.  It is a guardian of the ocean and a symbol of longevity and family. 

 

Silver Plated Native Eagle Motif Bracelets 

A symbol for power and prestige among many nations of the world, the eagle is also important to the First Nations of the Northwest Coast, who share the environment with this majestic bird. 

Many myths and legends surround the eagle.  They often play the role of messenger to and from the spiritual realms.  Eagle down, a symbol of peace and friendship is sprinkled before guests in welcome dances and on other ceremonial occasions.  Eagle feathers were used in rituals and worn on masks and headdresses.   

Eagle is one of the main two Haida crests and many families of the coast still own or inherit the right to dance and display the image of this mighty creature.

 

 

'Indian Ladles' ...Silver Plated Native
Human Motif Salad Servers

 

 

 

 
 The originals were made from the horn of Mountain Sheep.
 Carving of a human figure represents D'Sonoqua, the mythical "Wild Woman of the Woods", of the Kwakiutl Indians.

 

This origianl pattern was found at the village of Mainalele Kala at the entrance to Knight Inlet, B.C.