Birds play a big part in totem pole stories and creation. The birds in this section are a mixture of creatures that actually appear on authentic totem poles and whimsical creatures just for fun.
Mythological meanings are commonly attributed to the birds, fish, animals, people and other mythological creatures used in Western tribal arts. Meanings may differ between tribes.
Kolus:
Thunderbird's dull-witted brother. Kolus has great strength and helps transport longhouse poles for house building. He is covered with white feathers but because he is strong-willed and a show off, he frequently flies too close to the sun so the tips of his wings are always singed black. Kolus is said to be able to transform into human form.
Click on the image below to view or print without the page formatting.
