The Nanaimo RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing piece of First Nations art that was stolen from its public location last weekend.
The art piece, called Spindle Whorl, was last seen on Thursday, March 21st, in its public display area near the intersection of Albert Street and Victoria Crescent. The Spindle Whorl had been in place since 2015.
Before the piece was moved to that location in 2015, it was on display at Maffeo Sutton for years.
“The Spindle Whorl represents Coast Salish art and has been a fixture in downtown Nanaimo for many years,” said Nanaimo RCMP in a release. “Historically, the spindle whorl has become an iconic symbol for the Snuneymuwx people with carvings that often depict family stories and legends.”
The art piece, created by a local Nanaimo carver Joel Good, is described as a large carved cedar disc that measures approximately 3 feet in diameter. It was attached to its base with four screws.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 and quote file # 2019-9878. Alternatively, people can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
Here’s a picture of the art display stand now.
