Clan Unity
By Dempsey Bob
About the art
Clan Unity by Dempsey Bob is an Indigenous wood carving that symbolizes the relationship the different clans have with one another, and how they are intertwined. Dempsey Bob expresses his own cultural identity in this beautiful red cedar carving. Check out the interactive image beside this or try playing the quiz below to learn more about this artwork and the culture behind it.
Dempsey Bob
Dempsey Bob is a member of the Wolf Clan as depicted in the artwork by only the Wolf Clan being painted on one side of the artwork. He is world renowned for his masterful wood carvings. He created Clan Unity in 1985, to symbolize the unity of the four main Northwest Coast Indigenous groups.
Indigenous Symbolism
Wolf
The Wolf Clan, Dempsey Bob’s Clan is represented in Clan Unity inside the Bentwood Box and is the center of attention. Dempsey Bob intentionally draws attention to the Wolf Clan as he is reflecting himself in his artwork. The Wolf in Indigenous culture symbolizes loyalty, strong family ties, good communication, education, understanding, and intelligence.
Raven
The Raven in Dempsey Bob’s sculpture is depicted holding the sun, as in Indigenous story the Raven brought light and knowledge. The Raven represents creation, transformation, knowledge, prestige, complexity of nature and the subtlety of truth, as well as the unknown. The Raven was called upon to bring clarity to visions and many refer to the Raven as the helper to the creator who sends messages.
Eagle
The Eagle or “Master of the Skies” is considered to be the animal with the closest relationship to the creator. Since the Eagle can fly so high it was believed that the Eagle can travel from the physical to spiritual world. The Eagle represents signifies focus, strength, peace, leadership, and ultimate prestige.
Orca
The Orca or Killer Whale is a significant symbol in Indigenous culture. Orcas symbolize family, romance, longevity, harmony, travel, community and protection. It is believed that when an Orca is seen from the distance it signifies an loved one, ancestor, or cheif that has passed on communicating with those onshore.
Man/Woman
The man and woman sculpted in Clan Unity simply represent the people, who are also a part of Clan Unity.
Rainbow
The rainbow over the Orca symbolizes the exchange of ideas or goods, which is an important part of Indigenous history.
Bentwood Box
The Bentwood Box containing the Wolf Clan sculpture symbolizes trade, as Bentwood boxes were what was traditionally used by Indigenous people to carry objects and possessions.