Common Symbolism and Features Attributed to Totem Creatures Page # 3
Meanings of Under Water Realm Symbols and Totem Pole Creatures
These definitions are commonly attributed to the birds, fish, animals, people and mythological creatures used in Western tribal arts. Some tribes may have different meanings.
There are only three kingdoms in totem pole folklore:
Underwater Realm
Clam |
Copper Woman |
Komokwa |
Crocodile |
Dogfish |
Dolphin |
Frog |
Halibut |
Octopus |
Otter |
Oyster |
Salmon |
Sea Creatures |
Sea Wolf |
Seal |
Siskiutl |
Turtle |
Whale |
- Clam or Giant Killer Clam:
exists in legends and myths see Giant Rock Oyster Boy in Saxman Totem Park
Copper Woman:
Spiritual attributes of copper include wealth and prestige. Copper Woman is the interfering, social climbing wife of Komokwa, the Chief of the Undersea World. She befriends the Frog and when disguised as Volcano Woman can cause volcanic eruptions.- Komokwa:
Chief of the Undersea World and the master and protector of the seals. The word Komokwa means "wealthy one."
Crocodile:
- Dogfish or shark:
Spiritual attributes include persistence and strength. The dogfish is represented with gill slits as crescents, frowning crescent shaped mouth filled with sharp, saw-like teeth.
- Dolphin:
Spiritual attributes include breath, communication. Dolphins are thought to be able to interpret dreams.
- Frog:
Spiritual attributes include spring, new life, communicator and stability. The frog is a misunderstood and underestimated creature but also a symbol of wealth. Frogs are friends with Copper Woman and can survive volcanic eruptions. Never insult a frog.
- Halibut:
Spiritual attributes include life protector, strength and stability. Usually depicted with a continuous fin and both eyes on the same side.
- Octopus or Devil Fish:
Feared for its ability to grab people and drag them underwater. Attributes include bird like head, hooked beak, suction plates and tentacles.
- Otter:
Spiritual attributes include trust, inquisitiveness and intelligence. The otter is thought to be a loyal friend.
Oyster:
exists in legends and myths.- Salmon:
Spiritual attributes include dependability and renewal. As a provider, the salmon is very important in West Coast culture. Salmons are portrayed with round eyes and flat sides.
- Sea Creatures:
Are generally portrayed with round eyes. All other animals are oval with a large pupil.
Seal:
Spiritual attributes include bright, inquisitive, organized.- Sea Wolf:
The killer whale is a prominent fixture in the history, art, spirituality and religion of indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Thought to be both a wolf and a killer whale, Sea Wolves appeared as wolves in winter and as killer whales in summer.
- Siskiutl:
The sea serpent is an enemy of the Thunderbird. Is feared because it can pull war canoes into the site of a battle and can turn enemy warriors into stone with a single glance. Siskiutl has removable crystal eyes and protects crest holders from injury during war.
- Turtle:
Pays attention to earthly things and keeps its feet on the ground.
- Whale and Killer Whale, Orca or Kwakiutl:
Spiritual attributes include goodness and having the ability to share the wisdom of the ages. Whales are rulers of the Underwater Realm where they live with other noble supernatural beings. The whale hates Thunderbirds which frequently scoop them out of the water to eat them. Some whales can turn into wolves and walk on land. The killer whale is usually portrayed with long flat sides with white or black tail fins, two or more dorsal fins, large head, upturned mouth and two spins above the eyes. Many times it is depicted holding a fish or a seal in its mouth.
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