Indigenous art piece stolen from downtown Nanaimo

Indigenous art piece stolen from downtown Nanaimo
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The base was left in downtown Nanaimo after the Spindle Whorl was stolen. (Nanaimo RCMP)

The base was left in downtown Nanaimo after the Spindle Whorl was stolen. (Nanaimo RCMP)

Nanaimo RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating an Indigenous public art piece stolen over the weekend.

The art piece, known as the Spindle Whorl, was created and designed by Coast Salish artist Joel Good. Since 2015, it has been on display near the intersection of Albert Street and Victoria Crescent. It was last seen on March 21.

The stolen wooden disc is carved from cedar and was secured to its base with four screws, and is approximately three-feet (91 cm) in diameter.

“Historically, the spindle whorl has become an iconic symbol for the Snuneymuwx people with carvings that often depict family stories and legends. Prior to its most recent location, the Spindle Whorl had been on display at Maffeo Sutton Park,” Nanaimo RCMP said in a release.

The Spindle Whorl was stolen from downtown Nanaimo the weekend of March 23, 2019. (Nanaimo RCMP)

The Spindle Whorl in 2015. The public art piece was stolen from downtown Nanaimo the weekend of March 23, 2019. (Nanaimo RCMP)

Anyone who has information about the theft can contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 and quote file # 2019-9878. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com or call 1-800-222-8477.

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