Closely linked with these artistic conceptions is the exten-
Sive use of identification by symbolism. Thus in representations
of birds the mythical Raven is identified by a long straight beak
or possibly by its absence, reminiscent of a trick played ona
fisherman by the theft of his dinner, the penalty being a blow from
the harpoon of the infuriated victim which broke off Raven's beak.
An Eagle has the beak curved downwards, while the Hawk's symbol is
a beak curved down and back between the lips, the head of this bird
being frequently superimposed on a representation of the Moon de-
picted with a human face. The Black Bear is to be recognized by a
wide mouth set with many teeth and often a protruding tongue, the
whole figure full of humour and action. The much feared Grizzly
Bear is recognizable by his great teeth and powerful paws. The
symbols of the Frog show a wide toothless mouth and flat nose. A
Wolf is known by an upturned or elevated Snout, small curled up
tail, slanting eyes and pointed-ears and teeth. The Double-headed
snake (the Sis-i-utl) is depicted with a central full face above
which rise two horns and a head in profile at each end; all three
mouths being set with teeth. The Dogfish or Shark symbols consist
of a large mouth drawn down at the corners and with zigzag teeth;
gills being represented by curved lines on each cheek or by three
crescent-like lines on the forehead.

Representations of Wasgo, the Sea Monster, are variable. Fre-
quently they show a combination of a bear, wolf or raven, with a
killer whale; or the creature may have a wolf's head with fins
attached to the elbows; or the head of a killer whale and the body
of a bear. Obviously there are a great number of these symbols and
even experts are cautious about expressing opinions when unexpectedly
confronted by an unfamiliar design or when one isolated symbol ap-
pears in the form described as that of "modern shorthand." This
was much used for facial decoration in ceremonial dances, when a
fin on cheek or forehead signified the personification by the in-
dividual of a killer whale or when two horns rising from the wearer's
head showed that he represented the traditional Thunderbird. This
method was used also in tattoo marks. When their uses were purely
decorative or symbolic these were painted on the face. But when they
constituted a cementing link with the individual's spirit guardian
acquired during pubertal ceremonies, or when present in multiple
form on a Chief's person these were tattooed and concisely in-
dicated his connection with those under his jurisdiction and
further served as a means of identification of decapitated bodies
when sought by their relatives after defeat in battle.

Another custom among these Northwest Pacific Coast tribes
was the decoration of implements with designs associated with
their purpose coincidently planned to increase their efficiency.
Thus halibut hooks were often carved with a squid, the bait pre-
ferred for this fish, the attraction of the bait being thereby
reinforced .