The Moon | Indigenous Symbolism
THE MOON SYMBOLIZES: TRANQUILITY, GUIDANCE, PROTECTOR
The Moon has varying meanings across the Pacific Northwest. Each tribe, clan, and family can have distinct and unique associations with the Moon. Generally, the Moon symbolizes tranquility, guidance, and protection throughout most Pacific Northwest Indigenous art.
All Indigenous symbols and crests have significant cultural and historical associations. Many of these symbols can represent the stories, traits, and values that hold a special significance to Indigenous Peoples. In retail jewellery, these symbols still hold significance but aren’t held to the same cultural standard. Regardless, we believe learning more about the beauty and depth of these legends brings more pleasure to the wearer.
Many legends attribute the Moon to transformation and time. In Indigenous stories, Moon is typically a feminine figure but can be masculine depending on the specific tribe.
Depictions of The Moon In Indigenous Art
In Indigenous art, the Moon is depicted with a round face and flat features. An artist may choose to depict the Moon with either human or bird facial features. If the artist wants to indicate that the Moon is feminine, they may add a labret, a specific type of lip piercing.
The body of the Moon does not have rays like the Sun but it may have a rim or circle surrounding its face. Indigenous artists usually depict a full or crescent moon but may occasionally include both phases, simultaneously.
Although the Moon is not a popular crest, it is frequently depicted in Indigenous art. There are many legends and stories associated with the Moon among Northwest Coast Indigenous cultures. Popular depictions may include Raven putting Moon in the sky.
Also Read: The Raven Symbolism | Indigenous Art and Jewellery
The Moon Symbolism
The Moon is an exclusive crest of only a few high-ranking chiefs among the Haida. Although stories of the Moon vary across many Indigenous cultures in the Pacific Northwest, the Moon is generally always associated with a guiding figure.
She majestically graces the night skies with tranquility and poise. In contrast to this representation, the Nuu-chah-nulth believe it’s the Sun that’s the delicate figure while the Moon protects the people.
Among most Northwest Coast Indigenous tribes, the Moon is a feminine symbol often associated with the Wolf.
Also Read: The Wolf Symbolism | Indigenous Art and Jewellery
The Moon In Northwest Coast Cultures
In nature, the Moon is responsible for the moving tides and rising oceans. Because of the Moon’s power, shamans would often call to her as a spirit guide. Moon’s origins vary between many Indigenous tribes and cultures. There may even be multiple, conflicting origins stories within the same culture. Among most groups, the Moon has a feminine personification.
Some believe Raven put the Moon into the sky. Similar stories go so far as to say that the Moon was a piece of the Sun that Raven accidentally dropped into the night sky.
Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples calendar year consists of 13 moons rather than months. The Moon is a guiding figure who can grant good luck and abundance. Among this tribe, the Moon as masculine, and the Sun is his wife.
Also Read: The Sun Symbolism | Indigenous Art and Jewellery
One Nuu-chah-nulth legend speaks of a giant codfish who tries to swallow the moon during a lunar eclipse. Both Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw tribes would participate in a Peace Dance during the Winter Ceremonies in correspondence with this. Pine tree bark would create enough smoke to cause the codfish to cough up the Moon.
43 products
![3/4" Copper and Sterling Silver Eagle, Moon and Raven Cuff Bracelet](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/341636-3-4-inch-Copper-SS-Eagle-Moon-Raven-Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1639521179)
![Northwest Coast First Nations, Hand Carved Sterling Silver 1/4" Hummingbird, Bear and Moon Clasp Bracelet, Indigenous Jewellery](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/il_fullxfull.3692310741_8otz_{width}x.jpg?v=1644534721)
![In the center of this copper bracelet is the face of a moon made from sterling silver. On both sides are the profiles of orcas facing inward.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/340646_{width}x.jpg?v=1677095299)
![A sterling silver cuff Wolf and Moon bracelet. The handcarved design depicts the face of the Wolf holding the Moon in its paw.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/il_fullxfull.3701828621_9p1s_{width}x.jpg?v=1644534277)
![Detailed orca, moon and thunderbird bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist John Lancaster. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet is 6.1" long with 0.8" gap and has width of 1".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Silver_One_Inch_Orca_Moon_Thunderbird_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1670537559)
![This sterling silver cuff bracelet has carvings that depict the Wolf and the Raven facing the Moon.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Reg_Gladstone_Sterling_Silver_Wolf_Moon_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1718395840)
![This gorgeous Moon bracelet has been made using copper and has a single, wide bracelet that tapers slightly and has a gap in the back. There is a depiction of the Moon with depictions of the Raven and The Eagle on either side of it that have been beautifully carved into the side of the band. The wings of the legends extend around the surface of the band.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/3409122_{width}x.jpg?v=1729638381)
![Wolf and a Moon Silver Bracelet](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/252923_{width}x.jpg?v=1639528178)
![Sterling Silver 1/2" Wolf & Moon Bracelet](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/251038_{width}x.jpg?v=1639526019)
![sterling silver eagle, moon, and wolf cuff bracelet \](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/253594-Half-Inch-Wolf-Moon-Eagle-Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1639522675)
![Sterling Silver Wolf, Moon and Orca Cuff Bracelet](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/253619-1-25-inch-ss-wolf-moon-orca-bracelet-A_{width}x.jpg?v=1639527352)
![1.5 inches Copper and Sterling Silver Moon and Double Eagle Tapered Cuff Bracelet](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/341705-1-5inch-copper-ss-double-eagle-and-moon-taperered-bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1639524304)
![Sterling Silver and Copper 1" Orca Pod and Moon Bracelet by Paddy Seaweed. The design depicts 1/4th of the moon's face made from sterling silver in the middle of the bracelet. The remainder of the bracelet has various orcas swimming made from copper. The background has been neatly hand carved to create an eye-catching effect.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/341709_{width}x.jpg?v=1670460362)
![Copper and Sterling Silver Moon and Double Eagle Bracelet](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/341710-1-inch-copper-silver-double-eagle-moon-bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1640202627)
![14K Gold Wolf and Moon Bracelet hand-carved](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/14k_gold_wolf_moon_bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1639521082)
![14K Gold 3/8" Wolf and Moon Bracelet by Harold Alfred. The design depicts the heads of two wolves facing inwards towards a moon.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/150223_{width}x.jpg?v=1669512967)
![Eagle, moon and raven bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist John Lancaster. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet is 6.20" long with 0.85" gap and has width of 1.50". Tapered ends.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Silver_One_and_a_Half_Inch_Eagle_Moon_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1670538259)
![14K Gold 1/4" Wolf and Moon Bangle by Charles Harper. The design of this bracelet depicts the profile of a wolf's head with a long, narrow snout facing towards the left in the center of the bracelet. To the left of the wolf's head, the artist has hand-carved a small moon. Along the rest of the bracelet the artist has hand-carved intricate designs representing the moon's ring and the wolf's fur.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/150218_{width}x.jpg?v=1674678789)
![The centre of this wolf bracelet the profile of a wolf's head looking towards the left out of 14k gold. To the right of the head there is the continuation of the wolf's body including a neck, paws, and a tail all hand-carved out of sterling silver. To the left of the wolf's head the artist has hand-carved a round moon looking forward.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/341871_{width}x.jpg?v=1674173958)
![This raven and moon bracelet has the profile of a raven's head facing the right towards the moon in the center of the bracelet.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Half_Inch_Raven_Moon_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1679350026)
![The front of this cuff bracelet has the face of the moon in the center with two hummingbird heads pointing towards it on both sides.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/253893c_{width}x.jpg?v=1681335595)
![This cuff bracelet has half of the moons face in the center made out of copper.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/341883c_{width}x.jpg?v=1681337470)
![This cuff bracelet has half of the moons face in the center made out of copper.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/341885c_{width}x.jpg?v=1681426255)
![Depicts moon in center and wolf on right, sterling silver in eyes. Cross-hatching background. Tapered ends. Hand-carved by Heiltsuk artist Reg Gladstone.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Copper_Silver_Wolf_Moon_Raven_Cuff_Front_Right_{width}x.jpg?v=1714175585)
![Depicts 14K yellow gold rectangle with wolf and moon on front. Rest of piece is sterling silver and has carved designs with cross-hatching background. By Heiltsuk artist Reg Gladstone.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Gold_Silver_Half_Inch_Wolf_Moon_Cuff_Left_Front_{width}x.jpg?v=1712172673)
![Front of bracelet features moon. 1.25” wide. Hand-carved by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Don Lancaster.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Wide_Silver_Raven_Moon_Wolf_Cuff_Front_{width}x.jpg?v=1713288996)
![Front of bracelet features moon. Solid sterling silver. Hand-carved by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Don Lancaster.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Tapered_Three_Quarters_of_an_Inch_Wolf_Moon_Raven_Cuff_Front_{width}x.jpg?v=1713387785)
![This silver bracelet has the head of an owl facing forward with a pointy beak and two large eyes in the center. On both sides are two small moons both facing forward.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/253744_{width}x.jpg?v=1713917154)
![This sterling silver cuff bracelet is thin and has carvings that depict the Wolf and the Raven facing the Moon.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Reg_Gladstone_Sterling_Silver_Wolf_Moon_Raven_Small_Cuff_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1718396580)
![This Wolf and Moon bracelet is made from sterling silver. There are two depictions of the Wolf and a depiction of the Moon carved into the band. The two Wolves are depicted facing the Moon.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Gilbert_Pat_Sterling_Silver_Double_Wolf_Moon_Clasp_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1720814636)
![The Wolf and Moon bracelet is made from sterling silver. There are depictions of the Wolf and the Moon carved into the surface of the cuff.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Victoria_Harper_Sterling_Silver_Wolf_Moon_Cuff_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1722016561)
![This Raven, Moon and Wolf bracelet has depictions of these legends carved into the surface of it. The band is made from sterling silver and tapers slightly. There are 14K gold embellishments and designs for the eyes of the legends.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/Reg_Gladstone_Sterling_Silver_14K_Gold_Wolf_Moon_Raven_Cuff_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1724703128)