The Raven | Indigenous Symbolism
RAVEN SYMBOLIZES: CREATIVITY, MISCHIEF, MAGIC
Raven has varying meanings across the Pacific Northwest. Each tribe, clan, and family can have distinct and unique associations with Raven. Generally, the Raven symbolizes creativity, mischief, and magic throughout most Pacific Northwest Indigenous cultures.
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 these legends' beauty and depth brings the wearer more pleasure.
The Raven legend is particularly emblematic of duality. In Pacific Northwest legends, Raven is both creative, intelligent, and adventurous, but can also be extremely self-serving and mischievous.
Depictions of The Raven In Indigenous Art
Raven is recognized by a strong, tapered beak. Unlike Eagle, whose beak is curved inward, Raven’s beak has an almost squared tip. Other features depicted in Raven's art may include his long wings.
Also Read: Eagle Symbolism | Indigenous Art and Jewellery
Raven is one of the most popular depictions in Canadian First Nations art and jewellery. Raven is also a highly important figure in many Northwest Coast legends, art, and jewellery. It often appears as both a crest figure and a personal totem.
In many legends, Raven is a magical shapeshifting creature who can assume any form. He can be human or nonhuman, and can even be an inanimate object. In some legends, he can even change other beings. Raven is also credited as the creature who put the Sun into the sky. Many pieces of Indigenous art may depict these popular legends.
Also Read: The Sun Symbolism | Indigenous Art and Jewellery
The Raven Symbolism
In nature, Ravens are frequently caught stealing food and moving objects in an almost mischievous manner. The Northwest Coast is one of the only places with white Ravens. These Ravens have a genetic occurrence and are believed to be good luck.
Symbolically, Raven has many complex and almost contradicting meanings across the Northwest Coast. Ultimately, Raven allows us to understand the complexity of truth. Raven is often thought of as the “keeper of secrets” by exposing the truths that could potentially harm us. In the same regard, many believe that symbolizes the unknown and shows that every person carries a different perspective.
Many believe Raven is the helper of the creator. It’s believed that Raven brings messages from the creator only to those deserving of this higher knowledge.
The Raven In Northwest Coast Cultures
There are many stories and legends, particularly among the Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian. To these groups, Raven is the original organizer, trickster, transformer, teacher, catalyst, and chief spirit. He is particularly mischievous and loves to play tricks. Many legends claim Raven is responsible for unleashing the Sun, Moon, and Stars into the sky. Some legends even claimed he stole the Sun from a man by trapping it in a box. Those among Kwakwaka'wakw attribute Raven to discovering fire.
Also Read: The Moon Symbolism | Indigenous Art & Jewellery
Haida refers to him as Nankilslas or Nanagkilstlas which roughly translates to “he whose voice is true” or “one who gives orders.” Other Haida stories claim Raven discovered the first man and woman in calm shells. In this story, he freed them both and put salmon into the coastal rivers to provide food.
413 products
![This raven bracelet has the profile of a raven's head with a long, pointy beak facing the right in the center of the bracelet.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Three_Eighths_of_an_Inch_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1679434651)
![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 center of this raven bracelet has the profile of a raven's head with a large feather on top facing the right.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/253787_{width}x.jpg?v=1677291061)
![The top part of this shield pendant is carved into the face of a thunderbird looking straight ahead. The bottom part has two raven heads facing downward.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/248482_{width}x.jpg?v=1677107116)
![Sterling Silver and 14K Gold 1/2" Raven Bracelet by Victoria Harper. In the center of the bracelet the artist has hand-carved the profile of a raven's head looking towards the right out of 14k gold. The raven has a short beak and a feather on the back of its head. On both sides of the bracelet the artist has hand-carved intricate designs out of sterling silver to represent the raven's body and feathers.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/341836_{width}x.jpg?v=1674171701)
![Sterling Silver Teardrop Raven Earrings by Victoria Harper. The design depicts the profile of a raven's head with a short beak looking towards the ground with a small feather attached to the back of the head. The background has been neatly hand-carved in a crisscross pattern to allow for the raven to stand out.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/227871_{width}x.jpg?v=1674006877)
![Dazzling raven ring hand-carved by Indigenous artist Ivan Thomas. Made of 14K gold. Band has width of 0.25". Size 10.5.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/14K_Gold_Quarter_Inch_Raven_Ring_{width}x.jpg?v=1671750742)
![Detailed wolf cuff bracelet hand-carved by Indigenous artist Ivan Thomas. Made of sterling silver and 14K gold. Bracelet is 6.19" long with 0.63" gap and has width of 0.50".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Silver_Gold_Half_Inch_Wolf_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1671738812)
![Raven cuff bracelet hand-carved by Indigenous artist Ivan Thomas. Made of sterling silver and 14K gold. Bracelet is 6.19" long with 1.13" gap and has width of 0.75".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Silver_Gold_Three_Quarters_of_an_Inch_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1671737278)
![Tapered raven and sun bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist John Lancaster. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet is 6.15" long with 0.80" gap and has width of 1". Tapered ends.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Silver_One_Inch_Tapered_Raven_Sun_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1670541018)
![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)
![Raven stud earrings hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Carrie Matilpi. Made of 14K gold. Each earring is 0.38" in diameter.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/14K_Gold_Three_Eighths_of_an_Inch_Raven_Stud_Earrings_{width}x.jpg?v=1670264845)
![This 14K gold cuff bracelet has a single, wide band with a gap in the back. There are depictions of the Wolf, the Raven and the Sun carved into the band.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/150221_{width}x.jpg?v=1724882271)
![Raven and wolf shield ring hand-carved by Coast Salish and Cree artist Richard Lang. Made of sterling silver. Shield is 0.95" long and 0.45" at widest. Size 9.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Raven_Wolf_Shield_Ring_{width}x.jpg?v=1668038468)
![Stunning raven pendant hand-carved by Heiltsuk artist Reg Gladstone. Made of 14K gold and sterling silver. Pendant measures 2" x 1.5". Hidden bail on back. Chain not included.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Gold_Silver_Teardrop_Raven_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1668019731)
![Stunning raven wrap ring hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Paddy Seaweed. Made of sterling silver. Width of band is 0.31". Size 5.5.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Raven_Wrap_Ring_{width}x.jpg?v=1664917190)
![Sterling Silver Oval Raven Pendant by Paddy Seaweed. The design depicts the profile of a raven's head facing downward with a large, spread out wing underneath the head. The background has been delicately hand carved to allow for the image of the raven to pop out.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/241300_{width}x.jpg?v=1670528258)
![Sterling Silver 2" Eagle, Sun, and Raven Bracelet by Paddy Seaweed. The design depicts the sun looking straight in the center of the bracelet. On the left side of the bracelet is the profile of an eagle's head looking to the left with its wing spread out underneath. On the right side of the bracelet is the profile of a raven's head looking to the right with its wing spread out. The background has been delicately hand carved to allow for the legends to stand out.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/250308_{width}x.jpg?v=1670637065)
![Sterling Silver 2" Thunderbird and Raven Bracelet by Paddy Seaweed. The design on one side depicts the profile of a raven's head facing the left with a wing underneath. On the other side is the profile of a thunderbird's head facing the right with a wing underneath. The background has been neatly carved to create a stark contrast with the legends.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/252153_2_{width}x.jpg?v=1670462682)
![Unique "We are All Connected" cuff bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Paddy Seaweed. Features an eagle, an orca, a raven, a salmon and a trout. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet is 6.3" long with 0.8" gap and has width of 0.8".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_We_are_All_Connected_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1664475465)
![Raven and eagle clasp bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Norman Seaweed. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet has circumference of 7.75" when clasped shut. The clasp design makes it fit like a smaller style bangle and can fit various wrist sizes. Bracelet has width of 0.5".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Half_Inch_Raven_Eagle_Clasp_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1662592369)
![Eagle and raven clasp bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Norman Seaweed. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet has circumference of 7.75" when clasped shut. The clasp design makes it fit like a smaller style bangle and can fit various wrist sizes. Bracelet has width of 0.38".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Eagle_Raven_Clasp_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1662591998)
![1/2" Copper and Sterling Silver Raven Bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Norman Seaweed. Bracelet is 7.3" long with 0.6" gap and has width of 0.5".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Half_Inch_Copper_Sterling_Silver_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1661898161)
![Double raven bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Don Lancaster. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet is 6.55" long with 0.60" gap and has width of 0.38".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Three_Eighth_of_an_Inch_Double_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1659727092)
![Gold and Silver Oval Raven Sleeper Hoop Earrings hand-carved by Haisla artist Hollie Bartlett. The dangling ravens are made of sterling silver and have 14K gold in their eyes. The hoops are made of 10K gold. Each earring measures 1.20" x 0.50" including sleeper hoops.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Gold_Silver_Oval_Raven_Sleeper_Hoop_Earrings_{width}x.jpg?v=1659035110)
![Round Gold and Silver Raven Pendant hand-carved by Haisla artist Hollie Bartlett. She has used sterling silver and 14K gold for this piece. Bail is gold-filled. Pendant measures 0.95" x 0.80" including bail. Chain not included.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Round_Gold_Silver_Raven_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1658961709)
![Bear and raven bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Victoria Harper. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet is 6.20" long with 1" gap and has width of 0.25".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Quarter_Inch_Bear_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1658437704)
![Sleek double raven bracelet hand-carved by indigenous artist Ivan Thomas. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet is 6.5" long with 0.7" gap and has width of 0.5".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Half_Inch_Double_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1658261698)
![Round raven earrings hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Don Lancaster. Made of sterling silver. Each earring measures 2" x 1.25" including hook.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Round_Raven_Earrings_{width}x.jpg?v=1658096852)
![Oval raven earrings hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Don Lancaster. Made of sterling silver. Each earring measures 2" x 1" including hook.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Oval_Raven_Earrings_{width}x.jpg?v=1658096607)
![Sleek oval raven cut out pendant hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Don Lancaster. Made of sterling silver. Pendant measures 1.38" x 1". Hidden bail on back. Chain not included.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Oval_Raven_Cut_Out_Pendant1_{width}x.jpg?v=1657840759)
![Stunning oval raven cut out pendant hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Don Lancaster. Made of sterling silver. Pendant measures 1.88" x 1.13" including bail. Chain not included.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Oval_Raven_Cut_Out_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1657829658)
![These argillite stone and abalone earrings have chunky argillite hangs that have been carved to depict the Raven. The Ravens head is by the hangs and is has a wing depicted below it. There is abalone set by the wing and in the eye.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/2910697_{width}x.jpg?v=1657674568)
![Argillite Cut Out Raven Earrings hand carved by Haida artist, Amy Edgars.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/335697_{width}x.jpg?v=1657669587)
![Unique teardrop raven pendant hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Victoria Harper. Made of sterling silver. Pendant measures 1.40" x 1.15". Hidden bail on back. Chain not included.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Teardrop_Raven_Pendant1_{width}x.jpg?v=1656020213)
![Delicate raven bracelet hand-carved by Heiltsuk artist Ivan Wilson. Made of sterling silver. Bracelet is 6.30" long with 1.20" gap and has width of 0.25".](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Quarter_Inch_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1655411106)
![Teardrop raven earrings hand-carved by Heiltsuk artist Ivan Wilson. Made of sterling silver. Each earring measures 2.30" x 0.80" including hook.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Teardrop_Raven_Earrings1_{width}x.jpg?v=1655410697)
![Teardrop raven pendant hand-carved by Heiltsuk artist Ivan Wilson. Made of sterling silver. Pendant measures 1.60" x 0.90" including bail. Chain not included.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Teardrop_Raven_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1655404094)
![Round Sterling Silver Raven Pendant hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Victoria Harper. Pendant measures approximately 0.80" x 0.70" including bail. Chain not included.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Round_Sterling_Silver_Raven_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1655141644)
![These 1/4" Raven Hoop Earrings are hand-carved from sterling silver by Coast Salish artist Gilbert Pat. Each earring measures 0.75" x 0.25". The Raven Legend Represents: CREATIVITY, MISCHIEF, MAGIC.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/220763_1_{width}x.jpg?v=1653095736)
![This silver cuff bracelet has a raven mid-flight flying towards a sun to the right. The sun is slightly off-center to the right.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/files/341801_{width}x.jpg?v=1687650066)
![Sterling silver eagle and raven bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Victoria Harper. Bracelet is 6.25" long with 0.81" gap and is 0.75" wide.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Three_Quarters_of_an_Inch_Eagle_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1650309374)
![Eagle and raven wrap ring hand-carved by Coast Salish and Cree artist Richard Lang. Made of sterling silver and a lab-grown stone. Band is 0.31" wide, with the flexible wrap design giving the ring a comfortable fit. Size 7.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Eagle_Raven_Wrap_Ring_with_Light_Blue_Stone_{width}x.jpg?v=1649885031)
![Raven wrap ring hand-carved by Coast Salish and Cree artist Richard Lang. Made of sterling silver and a lab-grown stone. Band is 0.31" wide, with the flexible wrap design giving the ring a comfortable fit. Size 8.5.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Raven_Wrap_Ring_with_Dark_Blue_Stone_{width}x.jpg?v=1649883103)
![Sterling silver teardrop raven earrings hand-carved by Coast Salish and Cree artist Richard Lang. Each earring measures 1.75" x 0.75" including the hook.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Teardrop_Raven_Earrings_{width}x.jpg?v=1649880872)
![Sterling Silver Round 1" Raven Pendant](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Round_One_Inch_Raven_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1645640739)
![Sterling Silver and 14K Rose Gold Raven and Moon Pendant](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_14K_Rose_Gold_Raven_Moon_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1645572674)
![Gold and Silver 3/8" Raven Bracelet](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Gold_Silver_Three_Eighth_of_an_Inch_Raven_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1644955768)
![Sterling Silver 1" Raven and Sun Bracelet](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_One_Inch_Raven_Sun_Bracelet1_{width}x.jpg?v=1643672631)
![Canadian First Nations, Hand Carved Silver and Gold Wolf and Raven Bangle, Indigenous Native Jewellery, Kwakwaka'wakw](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/il_fullxfull.3694961459_ssa0_{width}x.jpg?v=1644534357)
![Northwest Coast First Nations, Hand Carved Sterling Silver 1/2" Raven and Salmon Bracelet, Indigenous Jewellery](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/il_fullxfull.3653562102_725d_{width}x.jpg?v=1644534308)
![Sterling silver and 14K gold oval raven pendant hand-carved by Haisla artist Hollie Bartlett. Pendant measures 1" x 0.75". Hidden bail on back. Chain not included.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_14K_Gold_Oval_Raven_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1640118495)
![Sterling silver round raven pendant hand-carved by Haisla artist Hollie Bartlett. 1.25" in diameter. Hidden bail on back. Chain not included.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Round_Raven_Pendant_{width}x.jpg?v=1640113836)
![Sterling Silver and Copper Bear and Raven Bracelet by Paddy Seaweed. The designs depicts the profile of a bear's face, made out of sterling silver, in a circular shape in the center of the bracelet. On both sides of the bracelet are two profiles of ravens facing towards the bear made out of copper. The background has been delicately hand carved to allow for the legends to stand out.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/341740_{width}x.jpg?v=1671050682)
![Sterling silver raven and eagle bracelet hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Don Lancaster. 6.63" long with 0.88" gap. 0.38" wide.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/Sterling_Silver_Three_Eighth_of_an_Inch_Raven_and_Eagle_Bracelet_{width}x.jpg?v=1639526213)
![These sterling silver hook dangle Raven earrings are oval in shape, they depict the face and the wing of the Raven.](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/335982s-govalravenearrings_{width}x.jpg?v=1639525128)
![14K Gold Rectangular Raven Pendant with Two Rubies](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/091190-14k-Rectangular-Raven-Pendant-with-2-Rubies_{width}x.jpg?v=1639521044)
![Sterling Silver Large Raven Teardrop Earrings](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/227719-SS-Large-Raven-Teardrop-Earrings_{width}x.jpg?v=1639526808)
![Sterling Silver Rectangular Raven Pendant with Tsavorite Garnet Sun and Eye](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/248074-SS-Rectangular-Raven-Pendant-With-Tsavorite-Sun-and-Eye_{width}x.jpg?v=1639527101)
![14K Gold Tapered Raven Earrings with Diamonds](http://artinas.com/cdn/shop/products/120922-14k-Gold-Tapered-Raven-Earrings-with-Diamond-Sun-in-the-Beak_{width}x.jpg?v=1639521066)