Meanings of Northwest Coast Native Crest Designs

• Posted on 23 September 2024
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Northwest Coast Native crests are clan insignia. Chiefs and clan members carve and paint their crest symbols on houses, canoes, clothing, boxes and utensils, and also on jewelry and tattoos. A Chief may posses many different crests. A Crest is usually a supernatural being or the supernatural aspect of an animal. Crests, along with songs, stories, dances and other property were acquired by humans during supernatural experiences, and were then handed down to their descendants. During early times, humans, animals and other beings transformed into one another. Today, crests also have more contemporary meanings.