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.