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Native American Totem Images - Godfather Images?
The Most Widely Known Native American Totem Images: The Thunderbird The thunderbird is one image common to Native American spirituality. It's believed that the wing span is two canoe-lengths from wingtip to wingtip, clouds are pulled together by its wingbeats, thunder is its wings clapping, sheet lightning is the light flashing from its eyes when it blinks, can make himself invisible and individual bolts of lightning are glowing snakes chest. Some of the finest renditions of the thunderbird is found as Native American totem images on the totem poles of the northwest coast peoples. In masks, it is depicted as many-colored, with two curling horns, and sometimes with teeth within its beak. The name "thunderbird" comes from the belief that the beating of its enormous wings causes thunder and stirs the wings. The Lakota name for the Thunderbird is "Wakinyan," a word formed from "kinyan," meaning "winged," and "wakan," "sacred." The Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) called him "Jojo," and the Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) called him "Kw-Uhnx-Wa." The Ojibwa word for a thunderbird that is closely associated with thunder is "animikii", while large thunderous birds are "binesi." The thunderbird is intelligent, powerful and wrathful...and don't make them angry! Although there are many Native American totem images of the Thunderbird throughout the tribes, the bird's role in a tribe varies.
Kolus Another of the Native American totem images is Kolus, the Thunderbird's brother. His head is in the shape of a block. He is always trying to prove himself especially by flying too close to the sun - that's why his feather tips are burned black.
The Eagles A member of Thunderbird's entourage and often go to war with other Eagles. The Raven The Raven is a mythological character for several groups, primarily on the northwest coast, Alaska and Siberia as well as in Norse mythology. He is often depicted as a trickster or culture hero figure, even as the creator of human beings. He is always hungry, compulsive, corrupt and deceptive. Though likable while in big trouble, he can trick his way out of it.
The Whale The Killer Whale is prevalent amoung the Native American totem images. They are the rulers of an underwater city. Whales hate thunderbirds because thunderbirds can scoop whales right out of the water and eat them. If they get tired of the water, they scrap off their skin and turn into wolves.
The Siskiutl This is a two-headed sea serpent who can turn enemy warriors into stone with one glance. Wearing its symbol protects the wearer from injury during battle. It hates Thunderbirds, and loves blood and cuts.
The Bear Living in their own villages in the forests, they can make fire with wet sticks. They can take on human form.
The Beaver Beavers are depicted as vengeful creatures and occasionally murder humans. If provoked, they tunnel and undermine villages, cause earthquakes and landslides.
The Frog The frog is associated with bringing great fortune or even wealth. It is a survivor. It must not be insulted as it is a great friend of Copper Woman who lives in the undersea realm. If insulted, Copper Woman will cause volcanic eruptions.
The Wolf The wolf is solitary creature who is a good drummer, growls at the moon and likes to go to midnight dances. He is good friends with the Ghost People who also like to dance at night. Wolf is a great healer and knows many secrets. Return from Native American Totem Images to Native American Totem Poles
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