Signs of Lekwungen: Spindle Whorl Carving Description This carving is one of seven in the Signs of Lekwungen series. Each spindle whorl was carved from a piece of cedar like this one. The carvings were then cast in bronze and assembled into sculptures. To see the sculpture that matches this carving, visit the artwork just outside at the corner of Pandora Avenue and Broad Street.
To learn more, visit victoria.ca/community-culture/arts-culture/public-art
Artist statement
skwu-tsu-KNEE-lth-ch translates literally to "bitter cherry tree." Here, willow-lined, berry-rich creeks and meadows meandered down to the ocean, and paths made by bark harvesters bordered the waterways. The imprints of these creeks can still be seen in the uneven ground of the Market Square area. This was a creek bed that led back to the food gathering areas now contained by Fort, View, Vancouver and Quadra Streets. Bark from the bitter cherry was used to make a variety of household objects.
About the artist 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
Carved and painted cedar
Dimensions
250 × 200 × 100 cm (8 ft 2 in × 6 ft 7 in × 3 ft 3 in)
Site
Inside Victoria City Hall lobby
Artwork category
Civic Public Art
