WSANEC, Coloured pencil, Charcoal pencil, and paint pen, 15x22” x 4 on stonehenge paper
I decided to do a series of the WSANEC moons from January-April/May.
For my first few years of school I went to ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ school and while in a SENCOTEN class I won a book of drawings and stories of the 13 WSANEC moons. I always loved reading this book and looking at the drawings, it has been one thing from my childhood that has really stuck with me. I changed them slightly, but still have all of the key elements from the originals.
This has been a great semester, rather tiring, but still great. I am happy that I was given the chance to do some traditional drawing this semester, and I am very pleased with how these turned out.
HISKWE SI’EM
NINENE – MOON OF THE CHILD (Mid December to Mid January)
The face of the young man represents youth, a new beginning, the rebirth of the animal world, and the new edible shoots. This is the Saanich New Year. The moon’s yellow hair is the returning light to the world.
WEXES – MOON OF THE FROG (Mid February to Mid March), 15x22" stonehenge paper
The frog on the face of the moon represents DOLUANW – the Keeper of the Sacred Season. It is time to gather foods and medicine. The Saanich People place cedar boughs in the water close to the shore, so that the herring will lay roe on them.
SXÁNEL – BULLHEAD MOON (April – May), 15x22" Stonehenge paper
This moon represents the visibility of SXÁNEL or what westerners call Orion’s Belt. The moon’s hair represents a strong wind that comes at this time and the swallows that arrive with the wind.
PEXSISEN – THE MOON OF OPENING HANDS THE BLOSSOMING OUT MOON (Mid March to Mid April)
All the plants and trees are opening up their hands again and the moon meets their welcome. All of nature is blooming. At this time the Brant Geese are dried. The Earth renews its strength.
