Clan Symbols & Identity
The visual language of kinship, responsibility, and our place in the natural world.
The Clan System
For many Indigenous nations, identity is rooted in the clan. A clan is an extended family group, often matrilineal, that shares a common ancestor and specific responsibilities within the community. These groups are represented by animals that symbolize their traits and duties.
The Turtle
Guardians of the Earth and keepers of the calendar (13 scales for 13 moons).
The Wolf
The pathfinders and teachers, symbolizing loyalty and community strength.
The Bear
The healers and protectors, holding the knowledge of medicines and inner strength.
The Language of Symbols
Symbols are the shorthand of spiritual and geological knowledge. Whether it is the concentric circles of a "Meeting Place" or the U-shape of a "Person Sitting," these marks on the land and on artifacts tell stories that transcend written words.
