Spindle whorls were often carved with images of animals, geometrics or other symbolic images. On this spindle whorl the Raven signifies creation and knowledge.
The spindle and its accompanying whorl comprise a simple, elegant tool that has been used for spinning fibers into thread for at least 9,000 years. The spindle itself is a rounded rod, usually wooden, tapering toward each end, for twisting into thread the fibers pulled from the material on the distaff. The whorl is a weight, usually stone or ceramic, that is fitted onto the spindle to increase and maintain the speed of the spin. The spindle whorls were often carved with images of animals, geometrics or other symbolic images. The Raven signifies creation and knowledge.
ARTISTS
JPRA ArchitectsBryce Williams
Bryce is a Haida and Coast Salish artist from Tsawwassen First Nation. His Haida name is Yaahl Iiwaans which translates to Big Raven. His ancestral coast Salish name is texwilem. Bryce works in various mediums such as carving cedar and alder, painting designs on canvas’s and weavings and creating designs for tattoos and fabrications. He is also a singer and dancer. Bryce strongly believes that being an artist means that connecting with your culture and learning as much as you can about the song and dance and stories and ceremonial protocol’s is crucial.
After experimenting and craving to learn more Bryce moved to Haida Gwaii in 2007 to train to become a Haida artist. There he learned about Haida form-line design and was taught some carving methods and teachings ab out Haida culture. After being elected in 2009 into Tsawwassen First Nation Government Bryce moved back to Tsawwassen. That is when he immersed himself in his Coast Salish culture and was sparked to learn more about Coast Salish art and teachings.
