Signs of Lekwungen - Site at Laurel Point
by Clarence "Butch" Dick (Yux’wey’lupton)
Description
On a culturally significant site to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, this is one of seven markers created with circular bronze casts of original cedar carvings.
This artwork depicts the spindle whorl, a tool traditionally used by Coast Salish women to spin wool - considered to be the foundation of a Coast Salish family.
The concept for the base was developed by Heritage Planner, Richard Linzey. The base's top is inscribed with the traditional place name, phonetically in Lekwungen, as well as in English.
Artwork Statement
The carving marks a 19th century, First Nations burial ground. Small burial shelters with differently carved mortuary figures, including human figures, were placed in front of the graves and stood here until the 1850's. No traditional name is known for this area.
About Clarence "Butch" Dick (Yux’wey’lupton)
Biography
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.
Resume
Butch Dick is a master carver trained in fine art and graphic design. He taught First Nations Art and Culture in School District 61 for more than 20 years and was an Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria, teaching an Indigenous Learning course. Butch Dick also trained his two sons, Clarence Dick Jr. and Bradley Dick in the art of carving. Father and sons work closely together on aboriginal art projects.
Details
Artwork Type
First Nations
Medium
Carving: close-grain red cedar was used to carve the whorl.
Bronze casting: made as a disk, anchored to a brown powder-coated aluminum pole.
Dimensions
site marker 2.5 metres in height
Unveiled Date
9/30/2008
Reference Number
3852
Site
Laurel Point Park - on the waterfront west of Laurel Point Inn, 680 Montreal Street
Artwork Category
Civic Public Art
Artwork Selection Process
Civic: Invitational / Commissioned
Location
Victoria > James Bay