The Orca Killer Whale in Pacific Northwest Coast Art
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 people 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 humans 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 popular 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.