Raven/Y'eil

• Main Author: Laws, Marie
• Other Authors: Given to the University of Washington Libraries by Norman Jenisch Rose and Louise R. Rose
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: Pacific; New Zealand; Stikine; tlingit; Alaska
• Online Access: http://cdm16786.contentdm.oclc.org:80/cdm/ref/collection/p16786coll14/id/67

Signed & Numbered 20/50. From the Artist: "This sculpture of Raven represents, to me, raven's balance between the natural and not so natural world. Raven means many things to the Tlingit people. One of my personal views is this: Raven is a 'star' of many folk tales and myths. He is not a god, nor is he considered sacred. He is, however, capable of doing magical things, and even creating sometimes, just as creatures of other folk tales and myths throughout the world. Through legend, it is said, raven was white in the time before he tricked Petrel out of his water. Petrel (Ganuk), was keeper of the fresh water and would let no one touch it. Raven stole a great mouthful of this water. As he was flying up through the smoke hole of Petrel's place with his water, Petrel said "Spirits, hold down my smoke hole!" So they held him until he was turned black by the smoke. After raven's narrow escape with the water, he dropped it here and there as he went along. This is the origin of the great rivers of the world, The Stikine, the Chilkat and others." P.O. Box 2436, Sitka, AK 99835. About the Artist: "Marie Laws belongs to the Tlingit Nation, is a Raven and is from the T'akdeintaan clan. Her Tlingit name is L'Daanaat. Marie has had formal training in painting, sculpture, clay, stone, weaving and wood carving. She has demonstrated and interpreted northwest art forms at the Southeast Alaska Cultural Center where she was involved in the design and weaving of two ceremonial robes. Recently Marie was an instructor in the Alaska State Council on the Arts Master/Apprentice Program. Marie has attended symposiums and workshops in New Zealand and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her works in weaving, carving and paper making have been exhibited in New Zealand as well as in many venues throughout the U.S. and Alaska." Information supplied by Sitka Rose Gallery, Inc., Sitka, Alaska. This is the second piece by Marie Laws given by Norman and Louise Rose to the UW Bothell Library. The first piece, Tides Woman, is a cast bronze mask.