Bear Claw - Framed Block Mount

Bear Claw - Framed Block MountEdition Date: January 2005 Artist: Roy Henry Vickers Medium: Framed Block Mount Framed Size: 14" x 11" Story The Grizzly Bear is one of the most powerful crests on the North Coast and is most associated with shamans or healers. The large claws often used as headdresses or necklaces, are most likely a symbol of the power or strength of the healer. At the time of European contact, these healers were labeled as evil and the government and religious

Story

The Grizzly Bear is one of the most powerful crests on the North Coast and is most associated with shamans or healers. The large claws often used as headdresses or necklaces, are most likely a symbol of the power or strength of the healer.

At the time of European contact, these healers were labeled as evil and the government and religious organizations rejected their powers. It would be many years before the knowledge of these healers would be known and respected by the public.

Much of the knowledge of healing herbs has survived and is shared by many in this day and age. Two examples I can share at this time are the healing properties of the yew tree as well as the plant we call devil's club, also known as the ginseng of the North West.

I was on a family holiday to a beautiful resort called Bear Claw and was inspired to reflect on these things. The result was this very traditional design that I’ve called Bear Claw.