This depiction of a small human between the paws of a bear derives from the Bear-Mother Myth. As told in legend, the beautiful young daughter of a Chief was out berry picking, and neglected to sing to warn the Bears of her presence. This lack of respect for the Bears causes her abduction by a Prince of the Bear People, and their subsequent marriage results in the birth of twin cubs. When the cubs return to their mother's village, they are transformed into human-form, retaining the superior senses of the Bear which destines them to become great hunters.