Meanwhile, the other animals on the totem pole are taking shape. Below the thunderbird is a female black bear. It is a female black bear, as there are no brown bears in the Cowichan Indians’ tribal territory – only black bears. The bear has just caught a salmon and is holding it in her paws.
Now that the eye and mouth have been sketched on the head, it is also easier for passers-by to recognise the bear as such. Previously, this was not so clear, as the thunderbird stands directly on the bear’s head and the round ears are carved next to the bird of prey’s talons. The female bear’s belly has turned out somewhat rounded, and we are still speculating as to whether she has eaten too much salmon or is carrying a cub. The female bear is reminiscent of autumn, the season in which she retreats to her den for hibernation.
The she-wolf, depicted on the totem pole below, evokes spring, the season in which she leaves the den with her cubs. This represents the cycle of the year and, at the same time, of human life. This example is intended to dispel people’s fear of death. The she-wolf’s legs and tail are already visible.
Text: Miriam and Brigitte Heyduck
Photos: (c) Brigitte Heyduck