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LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1984
Known as Sg̲aana in the Haida language, orcas hold an important place in Haida art and culture. They are a crest belonging to several clans and are often depicted in artwork as supernatural beings. Orcas are a part of stories that speak to relationships, transformations, community and the power of these incredible ocean beings. Many Haida stories place orcas in key roles, often as guides or fierce figures that connect our world with the underworld.
If you’ve spent time on the waters around Haida Gwaii, chances are you’ve seen orcas firsthand. They tend to travel in pods, moving in rhythm with each other, sometimes surfacing slowly, sometimes charging through the waves.
There’s something striking about how they move: purposeful, calm, and highly aware of each other. It’s no surprise they’re often seen as symbols of community, connection, and intelligence. Watching orcas can shift your sense of scale and remind you just how interconnected life in the ocean really is.
Argillite Orca Carving by Haida artist, Amy Edgars
The orca crest carries many layers of meaning. Orcas are seen as symbols of family and community, known for travelling in close-knit pods and staying together for life. Their intelligence is also widely recognized. They communicate using complex vocalizations and have been observed problem-solving in ways that reflect strong social learning and awareness.
In Haida oral histories, orcas are connected to the underworld, believed to live in an ocean realm that mirrors our own, complete with longhouses and totem poles in a village of their own. They’re also seen as beings of transformation. In some stories, they help humans move between worlds, especially during times of change or personal challenge. Orcas can also help ones spirit transition between this world to the next.
One well-known Haida story, Boy Riding Killer Whale, tells of a man who rides a killer whale into the underworld to bring back his wife, a story of love, bravery, and the enduring relationship between the sea, land, and supernatural realms. As Haida artist Raven Thorgeirson shares, “Killer Whale is a powerful being that lives in the Ocean realm and is part of many Haida stories.”
Kun Art Print by Haida Artist, Tyson Brown
In Haida art, Orcas are typically shown with a large dorsal fin, a rounded head, a whale tail, a blow hole, and a prominent jaw with fiercely sharp teeth. These details show up across many forms: engraved jewelry, argillite carvings, paintings, paddles, and prints, and each piece reflects both the personal style of the artist and formline design.
14k Gold Orca Bracelet by Haida Artist, James Sawyer
Do you have a personal story or meaningful moment connected to orcas? We’d love to hear it. Feel free to leave a comment below.
Want to explore more? Browse our curated collection of Orca Art and Jewelry, made by Haida and Northwest Coast artists.
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