Sitka the Totem Bear

The first known use of the word "totem" was among the Ojibwa Indians in about 1776. Today it is often used to mean a natural object, such as an animal or plant, that serves as the emblem of a family or clan, and often as a reminder of its ancestry or spiritual identity. In art, totems are almost universally represented by the tall wooden poles carved by Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest.

Native Americans believe that the bear has strong magic. Some tribes even consider bears to be Shamans, or "keepers of medicine," because they know all the ancient healing secrets of the people and the spirits of the Earth. They signify leadership, strength, knowledge, and fearlessness. Unlike other animals which are active during a specific time of day, the bear is active both day and night. However, the bear also spends a large part of the year sleeping in its den without eating, which represented the ability to go within and find the resources necessary for our personal survival.

All bears climb trees and are therefore considered spiritual links between the heavens and the earth.

Our "Totem Bear" is an adaptation of a historic totem pole which was carved by the Klingit Indians in about 1895 on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.

In western society, the bear has come to be associated with weak or declining stock markets (and is paired with the bull, which represents strong or improving markets).

If you connect with the "bear" in you, make a place in your home for Sitka, the Totem Bear today. Or order it as a pair with Tavros the Bull as a gift for your favorite business student, stockbroker or investor!