Skamichan

1 15/16" x 1 11/16"

Carved from the base of a deer antler, this design was inspired by a series of Coast Salish spindle whorls, many examples of which are in museums in Seattle, Victoria, and Vancouver. The skamichan was a mythical being or spirit helper, probably a fisher (related to minks and weasels) that had purification powers.

Larger view.

Examples of mythical animals as carved cedar house posts.