Native Indian languages * Indian nations * American Indian art

Native American Sea Lion Mythology

Like other sea mammals, sea lions are symbols of wealth and abudance in many Northwest Coast tribes, and sea lion images are often represented on potlatch regalia. Sea Lion was also considered a source of hunting and fishing power by many Northwestern Indians. In the Unangan (Aleut) culture, sea lion whiskers were used to decorate the headgear worn by hunters. In some Nuu-chah-nulth tribes, Sea-Lion plays the mythologically important role of Earthdiver, bringing mud from the bottom of the ocean for Raven to use to create the earth.

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Sea lions are also used as a clan animal in some Native American cultures. Tribes with Sea Lion Clans include the Tlingit and the Haida. Sea Lion is used as a clan crest in some Northwest Coast tribes, and can sometimes be found carved on totem poles.

Native American Sea Lion Gods and Spirits

Sedna (Inuit)

Native American Legends About Sea Lions

*Natsilane:
    Tlingit legend about a hunter saved by the Sea Lion People.

Recommended Books of Sea Lion Stories from Native American Myth and Legend
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Native American Animal Stories:
    Great collection of American Indian tales about animals, told by Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac.




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