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LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1984
In Haida culture, Raven, known as 𝚇̲uuya, is a central and complex being. Appearing in several pivotal Haida stories, Raven is both a bringer of transformation and a mirror of human nature. His antics tell of curiosity, mischief, generosity, and creation. In one of the most famous stories, Raven Steals the Light, Raven transforms himself into a child to capture the light and releases it to the world, illuminating what was previously only darkness. Then, in the story, Raven and the First People, Raven brings the first people to Haida Gwaii, who were said to have been coaxed out of a clamshell by Raven at Rose Spit. In addition to his role as a central figure in these pivotal stories, Raven is also one of the two main crests belonging to Haida people, the other being Eagle. These crests are the foundation of lineage and map family ties, community, and social structure in Haida society.
Haida history is passed down to each generation to share teachings, knowledge, and values. Raven, who is featured prominently in these oral histories, is depicted as a being of power and intelligence, capable of transformation.
One well-known story, Raven Steals the Light, tells of Raven bringing light to a world of darkness by finding and stealing the light. Raven later transforms this light into the sun, moon, and stars. Raven is also central to the Haida creation story, in which Raven is responsible for bringing the first people to Haida Gwaii.
Through these stories, we learn about Raven's the complexity, his noble acts, trickery and bravery. He reflects the duality in all of us: wise and foolish, generous and selfish, playful and powerful.
In Haida culture, Raven, in addition to Eagle, are the two main crests. Crests function to communicate your lineage, relations, and family ties. Members of Haida communities share their family's stories, position in the community, and identity through crests, worn as jewelry, tattoos, and regalia.
If you’ve spent time on Haida Gwaii or the Northwest Coast, you’ve likely seen Raven in the forests or flying along the shoreline. Their intelligent eyes, distinct calls, and playful nature echo their role in oral histories. Always watching, always engaged, always reminding us of our connection to the natural world, the supernaturals, and one another.
Raven is a beloved and meaningful figure in Haida and Northwest Coast art. Raven appears with a wide and long straight beak, feathers, wings, and talons. As well, in certain stories like Raven Steals the Light, Raven is shown with the light or a round sphere in his beak. Each artist brings their own interpretation of Xuuya but the core remains: Raven is a powerful being with otherworldly abilities.
We invite you to explore our Raven Collection, featuring artwork and jewelry by Haida and Northwest Coast artists. Each piece shares a unique part of Raven’s wisdom, whether through a story remembered, meanings passed down, or a spark of transformation ready to unfold.
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