As I read the story “Origin of the Gnawing Beaver” I wondered what it meant by the crest. I don’t typically associate crests with Native Americans so I decided to look up what that meant. As it turns out the Haida people to whom the story belongs are known for their art specifically their totem poles. Each of the animals on a totem pole has a particular meaning. The beaver represents the Eagle clan. I just thought this was interesting and felt like sharing.
Some info on Haida totem poles
this is a small cast totem pole with the beaver chewing the stick crest mentioned in the story (from the Otago Museum)
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