In Greek mythology, ravens were messengers of Apollo, god of prophecy, to the mortal world and a symbol of bad luck. Apollo is said to have sent a white raven to spy on his lover, Coronis.

The first piece, a 24-foot carved and painted cedar pole called Raven Stealing the Beaver Lake, tells the story of one facet of Haida creation myth: Raven was brought to the great house of the ...