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Apr 2, 2011

TOTEMS IN DUNCAN

I have linked to Three or More Tuesdays @ The Gypsy's Corner because I definitely have more that 3 totems here. Go by and visit to see the others. 

The Cowichan Valley (Quw'utsun) has a rich history of the Coast Salish First Nations. There are many ancient totems in the forests but the city of Duncan boasts a Totem tour with 41 totems. 

You just need to follow the yellow footprints on the sidewalks to be led down the totem path.
I didn't take pictures of the descriptions as I went along figuring I would find the information on each one on the internet. FAIL! I have searched for a week and finally have come up with a few of them. 
Tsonoqua, Mythological Wild Women Of The Woods (Thunderbird Above Tsonoqua) - Carver: Ned Matilpi 1990
This one above was in a courtyard area that had murals painted on all the surrounding walls.
Thunderbird Above Killer Whale - Carver: Harold Alfred 1990

 
Above: Three Killer Whales With Seal - Carver: David Marston 1989
 See the list here? Tells all about the carvers and totems. See how I didn't get any close ups? See how I said above this information is not available online anywhere? Good one Lori.
Above: Raven Above Eagle - Carver: Don Smith 1992.

Above: Moon with Human Spirit Face above Mountain Goat above Bear Holding Royal Document
Carver: Simon Charlie, master carver.

 Close up of face.
There is also a carving done by Maori craftsman, Tupari Twuhata, from New Zealand which was traded with one of the local carvers totems which now resides in Kaikohe, New Zealand. I didn't see that one but there are some nice photos online. He used oyster shells to line the eyes on his totem. So cool. 
The Cowichan First Nations are also the creators of the famous Cowichan knit sweaters. Recently with the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver the Olympic powers that be were going to sell Cowichan sweaters made...shall we say...elsewhere. Thank goodness the Cowichan First Nations stood up and retained the rights to their beautiful sweaters. 
Glad you came along on my totem tour even though it only showed a small sample of them. 
 
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8 comments:

  1. DianeApril 2, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    I may have to check out Duncan before we head back home to Ontario....we have been in BC for a year now and have seen a lot of the Province. We are in Kamloops and looking to spend a weekend this month in Vancouver to see some of the sites.

    We did get to spent a day in the outskirts of Vancouver one day this past winter, but I was in a hurry to get home due to bad weather. But I did get to see the skyline, it was awesome...reminded me of Toronto, however Toronto does not have the beauty of the surrounding mountains like Vancouver.

    Have a great weekend. Diane

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  2. VickiApril 2, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    Lori, these are beautiful carvings. I must say the the Wildwomen totem reminds me of when I had PMS, though.

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  3. Deb from WhatsInMyAtticApril 3, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    I have no memory whatsoever anymore, so I take shots of the guide makers for reference every time I see one...I delete A LOT, but it works, of course. Interesting carvings...I really need to plan a trip north as I've never really been to Canada (it's closer than Florida and I've been there a million times!). All you Bloggers of the North write about such interesting things I've never seen!!

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  4. AnonymousApril 3, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Dear Sister, you did a fabulous job of highlighting the Totems here in Duncan. The Chamber of Commerce should hire you to do a pamphlet about the Totems. We really enjoyed your visit. Love Lorie & Bill

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  5. Lori EApril 3, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Thanks Lorie. If they hired me then I would be back at your place to visit. Sounds like a great idea. Weekend coffees at Saison. Shopping at Marigolds. What a great idea.

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  6. UnknownApril 3, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    This is so wonderful! I love the colours on these! There are huge, ancient ones at the ROM that I love to look at. Have a wonderful Sunday!

    Hugs,

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  7. Michelle GoodrumMay 1, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Thanks for the totem tour! They are among my favorite works of art.

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  8. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    why cant i buy this beautiful sweater ):
    if there is a way please e mail me with the price ocarinahero117@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

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