| The Orca Killer Whale in Pacific Northwest Coast | | | | entered the sea andtransformed into a whale. |
| Art | | | | Mother Earth painted markings on theside of the |
| | | | killer whale as a reminder that it used to be |
| One of the most awesome creatures in both real | | | | amember of the wolf family. Indeed, both the |
| life and in | | | | killer whale and wolfshare similar characteristics as |
| Pacific Northwest coast art is the orca or killer | | | | they both have similar coloring. |
| whale. Fearedmany years ago but now loved by | | | | They both also stay and hunt in family packs. |
| millions of people around theworld, the killer whale | | | | There are alsolegends that describe the killer |
| is one of the most prominent subjects for | | | | whale being able to transformback and forth into |
| Pacific Northwest coast artists. The killer whale is | | | | a wolf. Killer whales are thought to be theprey of |
| regarded asthe guardian as well as the ruler of | | | | the mythical thunderbird who is powerful enough |
| the sea because of its sheersize and power. The | | | | tocapture and carry a killer whale back to the |
| killer whale is also seen as the best hunterof the | | | | mountains. Thegeography of some parts of the |
| sea. | | | | Pacific Northwest coast region isthought to be the |
| Killer whales are symbols of longevity and | | | | result of a legendary battle between the |
| romance since they arebelieved to mate for life. | | | | killerwhale and thunderbird. The Haida have a |
| It is said that if fishermen everinjure a killer whale, | | | | legend about a ravenfinned killer whale who is a |
| it will capsize the canoe sinking thefishermen to | | | | whale chief carrying a raven perchedon top of his |
| the Village of the Whales. It is here where | | | | dorsal fin. |
| thefishermen will be transformed into whales | | | | The orca or killer whale is one of the most |
| themselves. Whales nearthe shore are believed to | | | | popular subjects of |
| be humans who were transformed tryingto | | | | Pacific Northwest Coast art. A piece of Pacific |
| communicate with their previous human families | | | | Northwest Coastart or jewelry featuring a killer |
| ashore. Othersbelieve that killer whales are | | | | whale is considered a mostappropriate gift of |
| reincarnations of deceased nativechiefs. Some | | | | romance or a present for an individual whobrings |
| legends claim that the first killer whale | | | | harmony into one's life. |
| waspreviously a supernatural white wolf that | | | | |