The moon appears in the mythology of all Northwest Coast nations. It is a guide, a protector, a guardian spirit, a timekeeper, and is associated with transformation.
The Nuu-chah-nulth revere the moon and his wife, the sun, as the most powerful beings, bringing good fortune and plentiful food. Unlike many other Indigenous cultures, where the moon is often depicted as female—gentler and more serene than the sun—the Nuu-chah-nulth personify it as male.
The moon is frequently shown in association with Wolf, due to their nocturnal habits. Sometimes it is seen in the beak of Raven, a reference to the creation story of Raven releasing the sun, moon and stars into the sky.
In another legend, a giant supernatural codfish swallows the moon during a lunar eclipse. To counteract this, the Kwakwaka’wakw and Nuu-chach-nulth would light a large bonfire and add branches from pine trees to create smoke, causing the codfish to cough up the moon.
The moon plays an important role in ceremonies such as the Peace Dance of the Kwakwaka’wakw and the Winter Ceremonies of the Huxalk. Among the Haida, it has been an exclusive crest of only a select few high-ranking chiefs.
The moon usually has a rounded face and relatively flat features. The face is normally that of a human, or a bird. Occasionally, it has a crescent form, and at times, it wears a labret, signifying a feminine aspect.
For great examples of Native American art prints, see Affinity by Francis Dick, Love and Light by Margaret August.
by Francis Dick