SEQUIM — The freshly planted woods are populated by powerful characters.
There’s the Salmon Bringer, the Bear of Heaven and the Four Supernatural Carpenters, who taught humans to make art, build houses, hunt and fish.
Also glaring from on high is Senx, the Sun, who seemed to know that Monday needed bright light.
The totem-pole forest, looking out on a mile-long stretch of U.S. Highway 101 between Blyn and Sequim, grew by three cedars Monday morning, as the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe’s crews erected a trio of totems in front of the Longhouse Market.
The market won’t open till May, but its markers were ready: They’re carved by Dale Faulstich, the artist who designs totem poles to tell the tribe’s stories.
As travelers ’round the bend just outside Blyn, they will see “The Guardians,” on a 32-foot pole in front of the Longhouse.
At the bottom stands the Bear of Heaven, who guards the sun as it travels along a bridge facing west.
Above the bear is Aiala’axa, who helps Man by waking him after sleep. She’s also keeper of An’klala’killa, the moon.
The final figure is Nunu’oska, guardian of plants, flowers and trees.
Every spring, she gives birth to all of the flora of the world. A handsome young man, Southwind, assists her by driving Northwind away so plants may bloom and produce another year’s food supply.
