Musqueam Welcome Area
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Musqueam Welcome Figures
Year: 1996
Artist: Susan Point
Dimensions and materials: Red cedar, glass | 5.2 x 1.3 x 0.2 m
Terminal: International
Level: 2
Security Access: After SecurityThe two Welcome Figures, standing near the bottom of the escalators, stairs and streams in Canada Customs Hall, display a traditional Coast Salish welcome to travellers. The deeply carved frontal aspects of both figures are inspired by historical Coast Salish house posts, while the back panels reveal the artist’s innovations on traditional images and motifs.
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Flight (Spindle Whorl)
Year: 1995
Artist: Susan Point
Dimensions and materials: Red cedar | 4.8 m in diameter
Terminal: International
Level: Level 3
Security Access: After Security"Flight" is the world's largest Coast Salish Spindle Whorl and relates to the large-scale weavings included in this contemporary art installation. The artwork is presented in a setting of water and stone, symbolic of this land. The spindle whorl uses traditional images to depict the theme of flight. The eagle, which is considered a symbol of power, is designed around the image of a man whose arms are raised, welcoming visitors and also gesturing flight. On the chests of the men are salmon motifs to represent the Coast Salish people, who still live and fish along these shores.
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Out of the Silence
Year: 1996
Artists: Krista Point, Robyn Sparrow, Debra Sparrow, Gina Grant and Helen Callbreath
Dimensions and materials: Hand-dyed, hand-spun sheep’s wool | 4.9 x 1.5 m each
Terminal: International
Level: Level 3
Security Access: After securityThese four large weavings represent an esteemed and enduring art form among the Coast Salish people. For many centuries before European contact, intricately woven Coast Salish blankets were worn or distributed during social and religious ceremonies. The women who created Out of the Silence chose to use a number of traditional patterns, made up of diamonds, squares and zigzags, to honour the endurance of their craft and to signify their identities as weavers.