Butterfly Gold Coin Celebrates Native Art and Spirituality
OTTAWA, January 22 /CNW/ - The Royal Canadian Mint has introduced a $200
22 karat gold coin featuring Mi'kmaq art. The coin depicts a butterfly in a
design incorporating the traditional Mi'kmaq double curve symbol of the
balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
''Our Native Cultures and Traditions gold coin series features beautiful
original works by Canada's finest artists,'' said Danielle Wetherup, President
of the Royal Canadian Mint. ''The Butterfly coin reflects the richness of
Mi'kmaw traditions and the fine talent the Mi'kmaw bring to Canada's artistic
heritage.''
Mi'kmaq artist Alan Syliboy of Nova Scotia drew his inspiration for the
design on the reverse of the coin from the rock drawings or petroglyphs of
Kejimkujik Park, Nova Scotia. The double curve butterfly design is surrounded
by other ancient petroglyph symbols such as the five pointed start symbolizing
eternity, and the fir branch representing prosperity. The obverse depicts an
effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Dora de
Pédery-Hunt, surrounded by the inscription 200 Dollars, Canada, 1998,
Elizabeth II.
The 1999 Butterfly $200 gold coin is the third in a series of four coins
celebrating Canada's Native Cultures and Traditions. The Mint will produce
25,000 of the Butterfly coins which are available encapsulated, in a no-frills
shipper or encapsulated and presented in an elegant metal trimmed case and
protective box. Both packaging options for the coins include a numbered
certificate of authenticity from the Mint. The Royal Canadian Mint also
commissioned a collector box created by native artist Mary Anne Barkhouse to
house all four coins and their accompanying certificates. The coins are
available directly from the Mint by calling 1-800-267-1871 in Canada,
1-800-268-6468 in the United States, for $414.95 ($274.95 US) with the case,
$409.95 ($271.95 US) without the case. The four coin case is available for
$79.95 ($52.95 US). The coins are also available from the Royal Canadian
Mint's global network of dealers and distributors.
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the
minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Royal Canadian
Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the
world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and
related services on an international scale.
''THE BUTTERFLY'' $200 22 KARAT GOLD COIN
THEME
The art of Mi'kmaq artist, Alan Syliboy of Nova Scotia, is inspired by
the ancient Mi'kmaw symbols found on the incised rock drawings or petroglyphs
of Kejimkujik Park, Nova Scotia.
The central double-curve design, stylized as a butterfly by Syliboy, is
the most important symbol for the Mi'kmaw who view it as a symbol of balance
between the physical and the spiritual worlds. It is based on the
''fiddlehead'' or the young fern plant that grows in the spring. It
symbolizes life with its strength, its flexibility, its beauty and its
cyclical nature.
Syliboy's embellishment of the double-curve design with spirals and
geometric patterns is his trademark providing the overall Mi'kmaw design with
exhilarating and modern aesthetics.
The double-curve design is surrounded by other ancient petroglyph symbols
such as the five-pointed star that symbolizes eternity, the fir branch for
prosperity in life and seven iconographic symbols reminiscent of the early
Mi'kmaw hieroglyphic prayer books of the 17th century. The cross-hatching
effect which completes the full design is reminiscent of the incised carvings
done on wooden tools and boxes of the ancient Mi'kmaw.
This coin is the third of a four-coin set called ''Native Cultures and
Traditions,'' which the Royal Canadian Mint, in partnership with the Canadian
Museum of Civilization, will produce between 1997 and 2000. The purpose of
the series is to promote awareness of contemporary First Nations art.
ARTIST
Alan Syliboy originally found painting painful and difficult because he
was unsure of his own identity. As his exploration of painting and his
understanding of Mi'kmaq spiritualism expanded, his confidence and ability
grew with it. He feels that he has gained the inner strength to conceptualize
his spiritualism. Simplicity of line and colour and uncomplicated symbolism
now gives his work a cleanness and strength. Form this point of beginning, he
incorporates new themes and mediums to ensure his artistic progression.
Elements of Mi'kmaq petroglyph records found throughout Nova Scotia provided
some inspiration for the developing of his general theme, which is his
expression of the pride and understanding attached to his cultural heritage.
Most of his subjects deal with family, searching, struggle, and strength. All
these things are part of his art, and his art gives him strength for his
continuing spiritual quest.
In 1975, he attended Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Between 1983
to 1996, he did solo and group exhibitions in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and
Toronto. In 1989, he established Red Crane enterprises to produce and
distribute Native art.
SERIES
The focus of the Canadian Native Cultures and Traditions series is on
contemporary native art selected in cooperation with the Canadian Museum of
Civilization and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Four different regions
of Canada will be represented.
1997
The art of the Haida from the West coast of Canada - ''Raven Bringing
Light to the World''.
1998
The art of the Plains native culture - the Legend of the White Buffalo.
1999
The art of the Mi'kmaq - The Butterfly.
2000
Native art from Canada's north.
COIN SPECIFICATIONS
Purity 22 karat or 91.67% gold, 8.33% silver
Weight 17.135 grams
Gold Content 15.552 grams (minimum 1/2 Troy ounce of fine gold)
Diameter 29 mm
Thickness 2 mm
Edge Reeded
Face Value $200
Mintage 25,000
/ATTENTION PHOTO EDITORS: Downloadable, archival images on this
organization are available by accessing CNW E-Pix at www.newswire.ca. Images
are free to CP members./
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For further information: Pierre Morin, Communications Advisor,
(613) 993-9999, (613) 991-5342, (613) 797-9125 cellular, morin@rcmint.ca;
For more information on the Royal Canadian Mint, its products and services,
visit us on the Web at www.rcmint.ca |
