Orca, or Killer Whale, is an important family crest and character in many stories. The most powerful hunter of the cold Northwest waters, this Orca is diving to his home at the bottom of the sea. There he will take off his whale suit and live as people do, by a fire, in a big cedar house.

Wolf is one of the most respected family crests of the Northwest Coast Makah People. He is usually depicted with a curly tail and long teeth. Because of Wolf’s great hunting skill, he is the special spirit power implored to accompany the successful hunt. The wolf is the land manifestation of the Killer Whale. A West Coast legend tells of a supernatural white wolf transforming into a Killer Whale. This is the legendary origin of the white markings on the Orca and their traveling together in packs. The Kwak’wak’awak revere Wolf as first among all the animals. Wolf was the first to initiate young humans into the winter dance ceremony. There are many stories of Wolf’s friendliness and faithfulness to man. As a guardian spirit, Wolf bestows happiness, helpfulness, long memory and successful hunting.