Sisutyl!

Peter Jensen paints a double-headed sea serpent on our house in the Whittaker neighborhood
Peter Jensen paints a double-headed sea serpent on our house in the Whittaker neighborhood

I came home from a walk last week, and a double-headed sea serpent was appearing on the wall of our house.

A Sisutyl (also spelled Sisiutl) is a dramatic supernatural creature, and it is one of the most high ranking crests in Kwagiulth culture. It can shift shape and transform from animal to man at anytime.

A Sisiutl can change itself in to a self-propelled canoe, which the owner must feed with Seals.

Touching the serpent or even looking at it, or a glance from it, can cause death. Legends say Shamans tried to kill the Sisiutl for its healing power and magic. It is closely associated with war and strength, death and revival, so warriors try to kill it to rub its blood on themselves to attain its skillful strength and become invulnerable. A warrior would often wear a head band or belt in the image of a Sisiutl to provide protection from harm.

In this famous photograph by Edward Curtis, the chief is wearing a double-headed sea serpent headdress
In this famous photograph by Edward Curtis, the chief is wearing a double-headed sea serpent headdress

Flakes of shiny mica found on beaches were thought to be the discarded scales from the serpent’s body.

Whether carved or painted, the Sisiutl is depicted with a profile head, teeth and a large curled tongue at each end of its serpentine form and in the center is an ancestor face. Fins run along its back and curled appendages or horns rise from all three heads. The painted body represents scales and it may be carved horizontally, formed into a U-shape or coiled into a circle.

Sisiutl guarded the entrance to the homes of the supernatural. It was painted on the sides of canoes and hung over doorways to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits.

Here is a short digital story created on i-Movie for i-Pad. It is a recording of the poem I wrote about Peter’s project with some images of it growing on our house.

6 thoughts on “Sisutyl!

  1. Ailene says:

    I love your poem, particularly your reading of it, as much as I love the painting. What a great thing to come home to…

    Reply
  2. Cheryl Renee says:

    Oh my, powerful image, powerful poem. What a punch on the last line. Incredible and what a beautiful piece to have in your permanemt archives. It makes me think about what else is going on in my life that deserves such loving creative attention. Just about everything.Thanks Sandy, this made my day.

    Reply
  3. Beth Camp says:

    A lovely poem, Sandy. May the sea serpent’s healing powers protect you both as spring brings new life back to the earth.

    Reply
  4. Lloyd A. Meeker says:

    “The house with the sea serpent on it.” A wonderful description of your home, and a powerful gift through Peter’s creativity.

    Looking forward to seeing it one day!

    Reply
  5. Gloria says:

    Love your tongue of poem
    Your ease of accepting
    The wall the painter all in your world….

    Love you

    Reply

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