The Compass Raven was originally drawn by the artist’s grandmother, Frances L. Paul, for a map of Southeast Alaska which she also drew to go with a manuscript called The Alaskan Tlingit, Where Did We Come From?  In Tlingit society there are two clans; the Raven clan and the Wolf/Eagle clan. Every person belongs to the clan of their mother, either Raven clan or the Wolf/Eagle clan. Each clan owns certain crests which they obtained through battle or through association with a particular legend or event. A tribe is a group of people who have banded together for the sake of government and includes both clans among the Tlingit speaking people.

The stories about Raven are numerous. And there are two Ravens. One, sometimes called The Creator Raven or The-Raven-who-lives-above-the-Nass (river), and his grandson who the artist’s grandfather referred to as Scamp Raven. It is about Scamp Raven which almost all Tlingit Raven legends are about. 

One fact, which comes from nature, is that raven and wolf have often been seen working together to obtain food. Raven's view from high over head can easily spot the carrion, but getting at the best parts of an elk through the tough hide can prove impossible even to the strong beak of Raven. Wolf knows all this and is ever watchful of Raven. So, in the way of all creatures who would survive, they work together. Raven does the finding, and the powerful jaws of Wolf do the tearing. You might even call them friends. In this way the Raven is like the compass in that he is pointing the way.

Silk screen print, edition of 49 on cedar-bark paper.  (unframed)

By Ben Paul. $60.00 (#1210)