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An Introduction To This Site

This page exists because it was so difficult to find the images and descriptions to these images in any one place and I though that others would find this to be a helpful resource. Please feel free to submit corrections and additions to us at any time. You will find links to many other resources at the bottom of this page.

Most of the images on this page have been taken from other sources. A few are creations of my own design based on the Haida style. I have done this because I enjoy the art form and wanted to learn. Also, I couldn't find representations of some of the images anywhere so it was up to me to complete my collection.

Many of the images represent family crests. Some of the images are not actually Haida but are done in Haida style. The crests, depending on what clan you are dictates what crests you have the right to use, or wear. The images are also used to tell stories such as in the case of totem poles.

Note: The meanings that I have posted next to the images come from many sources. I gathered a couple from here or there. Unfortunatly, when I started this project it was for my own use and I never originally intended on passing any of this information on to others so I didn't take proper source notes. This of course is very bad information gathering form and I should always identify the sources of my information. But what can I say, I messed up. The best I can offer now is to say that the information content on this page came from various sources and a few of the images are original art created by myself in the Haida style.

Update: 9/14/04 - After being contacted by several native Hiada persons, I leraned that in Hiada culture the crests when used as crests have no meaning. When used in totem poles they tell a story. But in neither case do individual images hold the meanings that I have listed next to them. This comes from personal information delivered from what I would consider reputable individuals such as skilled artists and musium curators. But other american indian tribes including some in the Northwest do attribute charictoristics to animals such as the bear, dear, beaver and eagle. The meanings listed are therefore not likely related to the Hiada culture in any way, but instead are drawn from other indian cultures. So this page is a mix of Haida art and characteristic information from other tribles. I will try to add more detailed information in the near future to further clarify this information for you.

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Artists With Artwork On This Site

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