Unveiling of the pole in position and dedication ceremony

Following the completion of the pole on Wednesday 24th June, the final ceremony was to dedicate the pole, standing in its final position in the New World Cultures Gallery. Members of the Nuu-chah-nulth group performed a series of 'cicas' (or chants). The pole was gradually unveiled section by section revealing its full glory. As each figure was unveiled, a 'cica' was sung in dedication. The ceremony was witnessed by invited guests, including the Mayor of Exeter and other members of the City Council. The Mayor presented a framed picture of the Guildhall to Chief Earl George and Josephine George as a token of friendship and esteem. Josephine George then gave the Mayor a traditional Nuu-chah-nulth painting. Members of the Museum staff responsible for organising the residency were also presented with Nuu-chah-nulth paintings, carvings and cedar bark headbands. In a special celebration Graham Searle (museum volunteer), who had been assisting with the painting of the pole, was named a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation through the presentation of a cedar bark waistcoat and headband, and carved wooden ceremonial rattle. Although the World Cultures Gallery will not be officially opened until 1999, as part of the Exeter Festival (3-19 July 1998, 14.00-15.00 only) members of the public will be able to see the pole.

Members of the group danced to the 'cica' This video file requires the RealPlayer plugin which you can download from here. The pole was unveiled The Mayor accepted a painting from the Chief's wife, Josephine.

"Ilchinik", the completed Totem Pole

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