Walking Tour of Duncan Totem Poles

The Air and the Land totem pole was carved in 1986 by carver Harold Joe. It stands 3.7m (12’1″) in height and is displayed on the south side of Station Street between Craig Street and Government Street.

Air and the Land is comprised of two figures: the Raven (top) and the Beaver (bottom).

Air and the Land, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Station Street near Government Street

Carver Harold Joe describes the meaning of the Air and the Land pole as:

“[Everything] is always about the balance….The symbolism is about the air and land, we have to learn to balance that. Both are Mother Earth’s cleaners……That’s why I chose to do that. It’s the symbolism, the green around the eyes [of the Raven and Beaver figures]. It’s what the animals see. Mother Earth, on the trees and mountains, it’s green.

The pole is also about motivation. The Raven draws people to it and the Beaver acts as an educator for the young, the builders…..”

Air and the Land, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Raven figure, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Raven figure, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Raven figure, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Raven figure, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Beaver figure, face detail, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Beaver figure, face detail, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Beaver figure, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Beaver figure, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Beaver figure, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Beaver figure, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Beaver figure, tail detail, Station Street near Government Street
Air and the Land, Beaver figure, tail detail, Station Street near Government Street

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