The majestic hovering of this legendary creature, usually depicted with outstretched wings amidst storm clouds, serves as a robust image in varied Indigenous cultures of North America. It represents energy, energy, and sometimes a connection to the divine or the forces of nature. Representations in artwork, from totem poles to pottery, often showcase this creature’s airborne majesty.
This imagery holds deep cultural significance. It might embody guardianship, safety, and the cyclical nature of life and loss of life. Traditionally, the creature’s aerial dominance has been linked to the arrival of rain and the life-giving power of thunderstorms. Its symbolism offers beneficial insights into the religious beliefs and ecological understanding of those cultures.
