West Coast Eco Totem – Sea Otter Geocoin

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North West Coast Haida Totem "Sea Otter"



Two Otter species live along the Northwest Coast. The Sea Otter lives in ocean waters, and its thick warm pelt formed the basis of the early fur trade along the coast. The river (or land) Otter lives on land, though it forages for food in quiet bays and river estuaries.

Sea Otters are a challenging prey, and hunting them was a prestigious activity. Sea Otter pelts were highly prized and widely traded, contributing to a dramatic increase in wealth along the coast after European contact.

The Otter is intelligent, resourceful and agile, using its forepaws like hands. It is also among the most playful of all creatures, and Otter images often serve as symbols of laughter and light-heartedness.

Among Coast Salish people, abstract images that appear to be Otters were traditionally popular on house posts. In the art today, Otters are less frequently depicted than many other animal motifs, despite the very important place the creature traditionally holds in the culture. Perhaps its lack of presence in contemporary art may be attributed to its rarity as a crest animal and the decline of art produced for shamanistic purposes.

Otter representations are identifies by long, streamlined bodies, often in swimming postures, with legs and feet tucked in; a long thick tail; small mouth, often with sharp teeth; and a short, rounded snout. Traditionally, Sea Otter was shown on its back, often grasping a shell or a sea urchin. Otter is an accomplished fisher, and may be depicted with a fish. Many years ago Otter learned that life was too short to fill with nothing but tasks. Instead, she chose to take a playful attitude towards things she had to do.