Signs of Lekwungen - Site at Laurel Point Description This sculpture is one of seven in the Signs of Lekwungen series.
The Signs of Lekwungen consists of seven unique larger-than-life spindle whorl sculptures. Each is a site marker, creating an interpretive walkway along the Inner Harbour and surrounding areas that honours the art, history and culture of the Coast Salish people who have resided in the Victoria area for hundreds of years.
All seven sculptures were carved from a piece of cedar, then cast in bronze and assembled. Spindle whorls were traditionally used by Coast Salish women to spin wool, and were considered the foundation of a Coast Salish family.
Significance of the Laurel Point Site: The carving here marks a nineteenth century First Nations burial ground. Small burial shelters with different carved mortuary figures, including human figures, were placed in front of the graves and stood here until the 1850s. No traditional name is known for this area.
View the Signs of Lekwungen brochure to learn more
About the artist Clarence "Butch" Dick (Yux’wey’lupton)
Master carver and Songhees First Nation elder Clarence "Butch" Dick (Yux’wey’lupton), is an inspiring local visionary trained in fine art who continues to play a pivotal role in youth empowerment and whose tireless commitment to creatively championing the Songhees carving style has touched every generation.
Details Medium
Concrete, granite, bronze, aluminum, and steel
Dimensions
250 × 200 × 100 cm (8 ft 2 in × 6 ft 7 in × 3 ft 3 in)
Site
On David Foster Way walkway in sčəmaθən (Peter Pollen Waterfront Park) at Laurel Point
Artwork category
Civic Public Art
