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Background......The carvings of both Norman John
and his father Jimmy John, relate to a story that has been
handed down in their family for generations. Norman's poles
of the Raven and the Sea-serpents is also a tribute to a story
of the Nootka people.
Many years have past since the wars of the West Coast
peoples. The Chief of the Nootka, brought together his carvers
and had them carve the Sea Serpent, Wolf and Maquinna mask-feast
bowls. A message was sent out to all the tribes to come together
to lay out the boundaries and territories for the tribes which
were honored by all. The feast-masks are still used today
to dance and celebrate marriages, the naming of children and
memorial potlatches.
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