Salmon Carving
Artist:
Unknown
This carving is a huge houspost with natural elements and creatures installed at the Cheakamus Centre. At around four metres, it is full of Coast Salish symbolism. The top is an eagle with wings almost akimbo, protecting a person; just below them is the Coast Salish Eye, a well-known design that has been adopted as a symbol by the District of Squamish. The eagle represents The One (Great Spirit) watching and seeing; the Coast Salish eye represents “seeing beyond,” or inward vision. On the eagle’s wing is a feather and a flame. Whistler’s Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre donated the cedar trunk used, with the cost of the pole covered by a grant from the Squamish Arts Council. The Big House teaches visiting youngsters about Squamish Nation culture and stories. Xwalacktun has a longstanding relationship with it, having designed it in 1983, when he was 25.
