‘Hibou’ is French for ‘owl,’ specifically referring to those owls that have ear tufts on their heads, similar to that which are depicted in this wooden sculpture. Owls are regularly used in symbolism to represent wisdom, knowledge, and awareness, in a few different cultures, not limited to that of Indigenous Americans and the Greek and Roman mythos. This is most likely due to the somber, dignified sound of an owl’s hoot, and the combined features of both large eyes and a head that can rotate completely backwards, letting the owl see in all directions without having to adjust any other part of their body to do so. The owl depicted in this wooden carving is meant to symbolize the wisdom and awareness that we all must display, in order to avoid making mistakes, and to avoid unnecessary accidents that might hinder ourselves and others around us.

The figure of Tji-Wara is an African equivalent to the Bible’s Moses, but with the added capability of shapeshifting. Also referred to as the ‘Bridge-Builder,’ she similarly was helping her people flee from a threat. When a gorge needed to be crossed, she changed into a tree to let her people use her to cross. When they were starving, she changed into an antelope so that her people could eat her in order to survive. To the Tji-Wara people, the antelope is an important figure in a different manner, as well. These people have a masquerade of sorts to celebrate the spirit that came to them – in the shape of an antelope – and taught their people how to farm. ‘Tji wara’ translates in their dialect to ‘work animal,’ further signifies this figure’s importance in their livelihoods.

This carving of the parson is a representation of just how much of a role religion and faith played in the efforts of people in the past, and how it shaped Pickering’s people as a whole, and continues to shape some today. A parson is an ordained Christian person in charge of a small area, most often being a parish. The term ‘parson’ used to be used to commonly refer to some Anglican clergy and, rarely, for ordained ministers in some churches. In the book by Geoffrey Chaucer, The Parson’s Tale, the parson was the one who succeeded where the friar and the monk failed. He gave to the needy, whilst living a life of poverty himself. He visited his fellow parishioners every day, even if the weather was foul. He didn’t regard sinners with hate, instead he taught them by example just what was right, and showed them the error of their ways. He is not haughty about his faith and bold in his actions, he is humble and meek, preferring a gentle approach to life and social gatherings. He is such a man devoted to truth, that he refuses to tell a fable, because he finds that using such stories gives false impressions of life. He was holy and virtuous in all of his ways.

The Fates are three sisters in Greek mythology that are said to be the ones who weave the fabric of one’s life. Once they cut the thread, the person would pass away. This carving calls upon the beholder to consider their own life, and how they feel about their life so far. The Three Fates, also sometimes referred to as the Moirai, are sisters to not only each other, but to Thanatos (God of Death), Nemesis (Goddess of Retribution), and Hypnos (God of Sleep), and are daughters to Nyx (Goddess of Night). The Three Fates are: Clotho (Spinner), who weaves life into form; Lachesis (Alloter, or ‘drawer of lots’), who chooses how much of the thread is used on each person, measuring accordingly; and Atropos (“Inexorable,” “Inevitable,” or “the Unturning”), who severs the thread and chooses how each mortal is to die.

Eden Seed depicts a plant growing to bear fruit, but this fruit in question has a human baby growing within it, sheltered and safe. The garden of Eden is a biblical location that humanity had originated from. In the Christian, Catholic, and Jewish beliefs, Eden is God’s personal garden, meant to be a perfect haven for all his creations to life in harmony. However, the first two humans -- Adam and Eve -- showed how disobedient, foolish, and easily corrupted they could be, and so God cast them out to fend for themselves in the world beyond, before stationing an angel to guard the entrance to Eden, to forbid humanity from returning. The wooden carving calls us to remember our roots; where we come from, and the way it shaped us. Like the garden of Eden, we all have to leave home at some point in our lives, to fend for ourselves in the harsh world outside of the nurturing household.

Thor is the Norse god of thunder, lightning, and fertility. His role in the Norse mythos was protecting mortals from chaos, destruction, and the forces of evil. He is also well-renowned for the hammer he wields, which is claimed to be the source of thunder; his hammer delivering terrible and powerful blows to all sources of danger to humanity. Though a Norse god, his presence is felt in a few different cultures, including English. Thursday, the fifth day of the week, is derived from the literal phrasing of “Thor’s day.” In this carving, Thor is depicted with a horned helmet, as many people typically believe when they think of Vikings. However, this is a misconception that stemmed from when people dug up the tomb of a dead Viking, and found a pair of drinking horns set on either side of his helmeted head.

Sculptor Dorsey James considers this piece one of his “Kijimba Kind” works, a piece that symbolizes spirit children of all types, colours, history, and religion.  It is reminiscent of the different directions, choices, and challenges that we might encounter in our lives.

Carved from a used cedar hydro pole, Our House comprises of ten characters that represent aspects of the spritual and physical components that make our country what it is today.

The Owl symbolizes the intellectual prowess and educational growth that is manifest in our Province.

The Eagle symbolizes the courage and determiniation required to develop and implement new financial strategies, ideologies and technoligies on a world-class level.

The Crane, the bringer of offspring, symbolizes maternal love and happiness, heartfelt care, vigilance and concern that we extend to family and our youth.

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The Four Humans; black, white, red and yellow, symbolizes the multicultural diversity of our country, the four age groups and the passage of time and the seasons. The four waves symbolize the four corners of the earth.

The Maple Leaf symbolizes Canada.

The Trillium Flower symbolizes Ontario.

The Honey Bee symbolizes our historically strong work ethic. It is hidden behind the elderly person, reminding us that we need to seek it out and will find much knowledge and wisdom from our elders.

This sculpture was generously donated to the City by the Rotary Club of Pickering.