Haida Tattoos

The Haida people are native to what is now western Canada and the pacific northwest United States, including Alaska.

Traditional Haida tattoos of crests and totems use nature-inspired imagery to communicate social identity, such as status, bloodline and spiritual beliefs.

Unlike many tribal groups whose tattoos were reserved for select people, the Haida often tattooed themselves for pure decoration. Men, women and children of all ages could receive tattoos, and the symbols may or may not carry any significance.