We have created original artwork in response to our study of corvids, a complex, intelligent and creative group of birds that include crows, ravens, magpies and jays. Their amazing cognitive abilities include object permanence, planning for the future, meta tool use and complex vocalizations. Did you know that there are crows that crack nuts by leaving them on the road for cars to run over?
Crows and humans, living among each other for centuries, have closely co-evolved together. They set forth on a synanthropic relationship due to cultural co-evolution. Throughout history, crows have become a symbol of death. In many world religions, crows have been recognized as unclean and harboring sickness. This symbol of death reflects some of the fascinating word etymology surrounding the term crow. For example, the colloquial phrase “eat crow” refers to feeling humiliated after confessing to having been wrong. Another word referring to crows is the Corvus constellation, the gatekeeper of the underworld. In the story of Adam and Eve, a raven taught Adam and Eve to perform their first burial, relating to opening the gate to the underworld and being more directly connected with the symbol of death. In addition, the phrases “murder of crows” or “unkindness of ravens” are used to defines a group of these birds. These words symbolize death or bad omen, as does unkindness, therefore it is interesting how society uses terms with such negative connotations to describe a group of corvids.
Through research, scientists are getting closer and closer to understanding how incredibly unique and intricate corvids are in nature. Both humans and crows have diverse cultures, and their relationship is uniquely intertwined in many ways which we demonstrate through our art. – Marina Seidl and Ingrid Lam
This collage represents the similarities between crows and humans. Crows are some of the highest cognitively functioning birds. Crow and human brains make up two percent of their body mass, significantly higher than other birds. Due to their equally large brains, humans and crows share similarities in advanced cognitive abilities. The people in the collage show the close relationship and synergy between crows and humans. They have greatly influenced each other’s cultures. For example, in Japan, carrion crows have started to use cars as tools to crack nuts, making it easier to eat. This takes great cognitive flexibility and intelligence which is why the nuts are shown in the collage images. The use of human feet instead of crow feet was based on the theme of transformation represented in the vibrant art of Pacific Northwest Native American artist Rick Bartow and in the work of other local Native American artists. In many Pacific Northwest Native American cultures, crows and humans are often thought of as connected –– just like scientists are starting to realize. – Pritam Khalsa
American crows live within two common habitats: urban cities and rural forested areas. Both habitats offer a variety of resources for the crow. Cities offer a large supply of carbohydrate-rich food, nesting space and protection from predation. Forested and rural areas supply crows with rich, healthy nutrition, an inviting habitat, as well as protection against dangers in cities. Crows are adaptable, flexible, and able to conform to either of these environments. Due to this versatility, crows can evaluate their habitat and decide and plan routes for specific migratory patterns. Humans often have an impact on these patterns and can cause changes to their habitats. These adaptations can be encouraged by humans affecting food availability, chance of predation, and the safety of their habitat. Sometimes, residents of areas populated by crows may have a negative perspective of the species. This collage is intended to shed light on the beauty and importance of crows in our society. – Linnea Anderson
Crows and ravens specifically have been labeled as evil and as a harbinger of death throughout history because of their scavenger tendencies; they have been found picking at the dead bodies of humans on battlefields. Due to this scavenging behavior, and loud sharp caw, they were especially demonized in the middle ages, when religion and superstition reigned over humans, and humans killed corvids, and labeled as pests and vermin. Throughout history, corvids have been associated with a negative connotation and their intelligence has been clearly ignored. Only in the past few decades have humans actually started recognizing their interactions with humans, including their amazing cognitive abilities, intelligence and creative problem-solving. – Leah Jones Neuray
Crows and ravens specifically have been labeled as evil and as a harbinger of death throughout history because of their scavenger tendencies; they have been found picking at the dead bodies of humans on battlefields. Due to this scavenging behavior, and loud sharp caw, they were especially demonized in the middle ages, when religion and superstition reigned over humans, and humans killed corvids, and labeled as pests and vermin. Throughout history, corvids have been associated with a negative connotation and their intelligence has been clearly ignored. Only in the past few decades have humans actually started recognizing their interactions with humans, including their amazing cognitive abilities, intelligence and creative problem-solving. – Ingrid Lam
