Raven Rescues the Sun and Elements

Description

‘Raven Rescues the Sun and Elements’ by Art Thompson – First Nations Northwest Coast Nuu-chah-nulth Art presented by DaVic Gallery of Native Canadian Arts.

Condition:          Custom mat.

Description by Artist:     “There is a Northern legend about Raven stealing the sun, however one of the versions from the West Coast is that Raven rescued the sun. The world was in darkness because a powerful chief kept the sun in a box. Raven and the other creatures with daylight habits were tired of not being able to find their homes or food to eat. Raven, who was white at this time, came up with a scheme to release the sun from the chief’s house. As he flew through the smokehouse with the sun in his beak, he became black. With the rescue of the sun he restored life to the earth and revitalized the elements such as the clouds, rain and water. After the rain and sun were restored, a rainbow appeared. This print is the first in a series of four related West Coast stories involving rainbows.”

Notes from DaVic Gallery:    Most beautiful and colourful representation of the legendary story Raven Steals the Light.