Wolves traditionally inhabit all regions of the Northwest Coast except for
Haida Gwaii, where their physical absence may contribute to a relatively low
profile in the art. In populous southern regions, wolves are now extremely
rare, if not entirely absent.
People respect the wolf for its strength, agility, intelligence and capacity for
devotion. The wolf's vocal range and communicative powers are impressive,
and Northwest Coast peoples traditionally believe in the potency and magic
of speech and song. Wolf is sometimes an agent of transformation, and
is a popular figure in crest, story and shamanic art.
In some legends, four Wolf cubs survived the great flood by climbing to the
peak of a high mountain. After the waters receded, they howled loudly to find
out if any other survivors existed. Humans heard the cries, and the young
wolves entered the human community. Other myths and legends recount similar
tales of adoption by Wolves and of Wolves. Wolf Mother is sometimes depicted
with a human child.
Wolf is a principal crest of many prominent Northwest Coast families. Among
the Tlingit, Wolf is an alternative to Eagle as the crest of one of the two main
clans. Among most Tsimshian groups, Wolf is one of four main clans. Wolf
Den and even Wolf Bath House appear as crests among far northern clans.
In some regions, Wolf is credited with teaching men the secrets of whaling. In
all regions, Wolf serves as an inspiration and a charm for hunters and fishers, and
skilled hunters often have Wolf spirit guides. Warrior societies and their
ceremonies may exhibit Wolf as a central participant.
In some legends, the first Killer Whale is said to have appeared when a
Supernatural White Wolf entered the sea and transformed. Wolf and Killer Whale
are known as intimate relations, exhibiting similar coloring, similar pack behaviors
and similar skill in hunting. Many legends describe Wolf's ability to transform into
Killer Whale, and vice versa.
Wolf is usually identified by a long snout with nostrils; long, sharp teeth with
prominent fangs; tall, narrow ears; ovoid eyes; clawed feet; and a long, curled
and/or bushy tail. Wolf may feature an extended tongue, which often curls upward.
Wolf representations often feature Killer Whale motifs, a convention that indicates
either a Sea Wolf depiction, or-if the figure is fully Wolf-the significant
relationship that exists between these two creatures.
