Raven Watches the Carver

This raven routinely observed master carver Douglas Chilton as he shaped the canoe.
(Sealaska Heritage Institute)

As Chilton prepared the cedar for carving, he noticed a raven with an injured wing watching. Later, as he carved the canoe in Juneau, he again noticed a raven with an injured wing looking on. He believes it was the same bird. Chilton, a member of the Raven clan, considered the bird a blessing. He decided the canoe would feature a raven figurehead. To honor the bird’s vigilance, Chilton incorporated an injured wing into the raven figurehead. More about raven spirit can be found in our Raven Spirit featured story.

Tags: Native people Smithsonian exhibits Behind-the-scenes