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The Orca Killer Whale In Pacific Northwest Coast Art
The Orca Killer Whale in Pacific Northwest Coast Art
by Clint Leung
One of the most awesome creatures in both real life and in
Pacific Northwest coast art is the orca or killer whale. Feared
many years ago but now loved by millions of individuals around the
world, the killer whale is one of the most prominent subjects for
Pacific Northwest coast artists. The killer whale is regarded as
the guardian as well as the ruler of the sea because of its sheer
size and power. The killer whale is also seen as the best hunter
of the sea.
Killer whales are symbols of longevity and romance since they are
believed to mate for life. It is said that if fishermen ever
injure a killer whale, it will capsize the canoe sinking the
fishermen to the Village of the Whales. It is here where the
fishermen will be transformed into whales themselves. Whales near
the shore are believed to be homo sapiens who were transformed trying
to communicate with their previous human families ashore. Others
believe that killer whales are reincarnations of deceased native
chiefs. Some legends claim that the first killer whale was
previously a supernatural white wolf that entered the sea and
transformed into a whale. Mother Earth painted markings on the
side of the killer whale as a reminder that it used to be a
member of the wolf family. Indeed, both the killer whale and wolf
share similar characteristics as they both have similar coloring.
They both also stay and hunt in family packs. There are also
legends that describe the killer whale being able to transform
back and forth into a wolf. Killer whales are thought to be the
prey of the mythical thunderbird who is powerful enough to
capture and carry a killer whale back to the mountains. The
geography of some parts of the Pacific Northwest coast region is
thought to be the result of a legendary battle between the killer
whale and thunderbird. The Haida have a legend about a raven
finned killer whale who is a whale chief carrying a raven perched
on top of his dorsal fin.
The orca or killer whale is one of the most well-liked subjects of
Pacific Northwest Coast art. A piece of Pacific Northwest Coast
art or jewelry featuring a killer whale is considered a most
appropriate gift of romance or a present for an individual who
brings harmony into one's life.
About the Author:
Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery
http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca , an online gallery specializing
in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including
carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous
information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and
Native Indian art as well as free eCards.
