Born in 1948, Art Thompson is a practitioner of the traditional arts of his people, the Nuu-chah-nulth. He has also become an important innovative force in West Coast carving, silver work, and printmaking. Well known for his prints, Art Thompson's graphic art is uninhibited and free flowing while closely adhering to the traditions and conventions of West Coast (Nuu-chah-nulth) art. He helped develop the current state of West Coast design along with Ron Hamilton and Joe David. He is also involved in the traditional cultural ceremonies of his people as well as being very involved with political and social issues now facing the Nuu-chah-nulth.

About this Totem Pole

Raven, the creator-trickster figure dominates much Northwest Coast Indian mythology. One of the most well known Raven stories is the creation myth of how the moon came to be.

Raven had heard there was an old Chief who lived in the North end of the sky. In his possession was a box and in that box was a shinning, silvery ball. Raven decided that he should get the ball and release it into the sky so he and the other creatures would have some light at night so they could see to hunt. The old chief was quite cantankerous and unapproachable, his only pleasure in life being his beautiful daughter. Raven needed to think of a way to gain the trust of the old man so as to get to the box.

One day when Raven was lurking near the old Chief's house, he saw his daughter sitting beside a stream dipping for herself a cup of water. Raven quickly transformed himself into a fir needle and floated down to where the girl was seated, was scooped up into her cup and swallowed.

Some time went by and the girl gave birth to a son. The old Chief was very pleased and delighted in his grandson to the extent of spoiling him greatly. One day the boy asked to see what was in the box but was told to never mind. But he begged and fussed so finally the old Chief said he could have on very quick peek. As the old Chief opened the lid, Raven transformed from the boy back into himself, grabbed the silvery ball and flew out the window and released the moon into the sky.

This pole depicts the old Chief's grandson (bottom) transformed back into Raven (top) with Raven holding the round moon between his feet, ready to fly away.