The Origin Of Light (Sun)

Description: This modern depiction of an ancient legend is a superb example of an art from developed among the Pacific Northwest Indians. Tsimshian were one of the principal people who developed this elaborate, two-dimensional style of low relief and incised carving highlighted with applied color. The subjects are most often stylized, symmetrical depictions of actual and mythological creatures. Raven, Bear, Wolf, and Killer Whale are just a few of the often seen representations. Are supernatural beings who take the form of the creature depicted. Thus, a story describing Raven’s magical powers is not about a mere bird, but a magical being who came to earth in the form of that bird. The split head shown in this Tsimshian legend is that of Wi-Gyt, a supernatural creature possessing a number of magical powers, including the power to fly with the wings of a raven. At the bottom of the panel, below Wi-Gyt’s head and held by his black wings, is a square encompassing a red circle. It represents the box in which the chief at the head of the River Nass hid the sun from the earth. Wi-Gyt retrieved the sun from the selfish chief and returned it to the sky.