It’s Halloween and what better way to end our spooky season than by looking at one of its most symbolic animals, the common raven (Corvus corax). The common raven ranges around the northern hemisphere and lives in all the varied habitats therein. As a result, it also features in the varied mythologies, folklore, and religions from wherever it lives. Although in some instances it symbolizes wisdom, prophecy, and heroism, it is also regarded as a bad omen, and a symbol of war and death. This is due to its black plumage, association with wolves, haunting calls, and taste for carrion. Such negative associations were prevalent among Celtic beliefs, from which Halloween also has its roots. The Celtic Samhain holiday was a harvest festival that celebrated the end of the year and the coming of winter, it was regarded as the day when the veil between the world of the living and the dead was at its thinnest. As a harbinger of death, ravens and Halloween have a long history that is still relevant to this day.
In finding a figure of the common raven to review the Safari Ltd. figure was really the only option, which is a surprise considering the cultural importance of the species. More common are various Halloween props and home décor that depict the bird, or corvids and generic black birds in general. The Safari raven does not specify what species it is on the figure itself, but their web site confirms that it is the common raven. Ravens and crows belong to the Corvus genus, for which there are over 40 described species. The common raven is split up into 8-11 subspecies, depending on who you ask.
The Safari raven measures 3” (7.62 cm) long and stands 2” (5.08 cm) tall. The actual common raven is one of the largest species of passerine birds, measuring 25” (63.5 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 45–51″ (115 to 150 cm). It’s difficult to accurately scale toy birds but I estimate this one to be 1/8 in scale.
The figure is presented perched on a rock for stability but it’s also front heavy and so I can see this figure warping and leaning forward over time. The figure is static in pose, and I think it could have benefited from a more dynamic pose, with feathers ruffled, wings slightly spread, and beak open. The pose is natural looking, and it works, but hopefully some company will eventually give us a raven with some shelf presence.
The detail work is exceptional, accurate, and lifelike, particularly on the folded wings where individual veins are etched into each feather. Shaggy feathers can be seen sculpted at the base of the bill and tiny scales are evident on the feet. Common ravens are known for their distinctive, elongated neck feathers and those are sculpted here too but I wish they were a bit more prominent, as it is they hug the body and are easy to overlook. The beak appears heavy and robust which is important as this helps distinguish the common raven from similarly looking crows.
The paint job is simple, it’s flat black. Only the base is painted. The paint application on the base is sloppy but what can you expect from a small toy under $5.00? In life, common ravens have iridescent plumage, and it would have been nice to see some kind of sheen or color gradient implemented here. The eyes are at least painted with a finish that makes them appear wet, lifelike, and distinct from the rest of the figure but unfortunately one of them is misaligned on my copy.
Should you encounter a raven this Halloween, or on any other day of the year, don’t be scared. Instead, relish in the opportunity to observe this fascinating animal. The common raven is one of the world’s smartest and most socially advanced animals, with intelligence on par with that of a 7-year-old human. As a result, they are one of the neatest animals to watch and are full of surprises. Instead of as being a harbinger of death, the common raven should instead be regarded as the clever, adaptable, and sophisticated animal that it is. The Safari raven is still in production and retails for less than $5.00.
