Signs of Lekwungen - Songhees Point Site
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.
The 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
PAH-lu-tsuss means "cradle-board." Traditionally, once infants had learned to walk, their cradles were placed at this sacred headland because of the spiritual power of the water here. More recently, there was a settlement here, and subsequently an Indian Reserve that traded with people in the fort on the opposite shore.
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, is anchored to a brown powder-coated aluminum pole.
Dimensions
Site marker 2.5 metres in height
Unveiled Date
9/30/2008
Reference Number
3846
Site
Songhees Point in the parkland along Westsong Walkway in front of Delta Ocean Pointe Resort.
Artwork Category
Civic Public Art
Artwork Selection Process
Civic: Invitational / Commissioned
Location
Victoria > Victoria West