Stolen artwork returned to UVic

Thanks to the efforts of Oak Bay, Saanich and Victoria police, a much-treasured artwork has been recovered and returned to UVic. Sul-Sultan (Spindle Whorl), which has been displayed in the foyer of the Fraser Building for 20 years, was stolen during an overnight break-in on June 13.

Sul-Sultan, created by T’sartlip Coast Salish artist Charles Elliott, is a cedar carving with inlaid abalone, depicting a spindle whorl with a central human figure flanked by two wolf figures and a frog, sitting on a painted stand carved to represent ravens. The art was commissioned by the Faculty of Law.

The carving holds great cultural significance for law students, says Law Dean Jeremy Webber. “Although Sul-Sultan is an immensely beautiful and moving piece, it is much more than decorative,” says Webber.  “It ensures that all Faculty of Law students, including Indigenous students, know UVic is a place that values the university’s relations with the local First Nations and our engagement with Indigenous law.  Everyone sees it every day as they enter the building.”

News reports say the stolen artwork was found the evening of June 24, when somebody dumped the carving into the doorway of a Government Street retail store. Nicole Leggeat, an employee of Cowichan Trading Co., discovered the carving, which was wrapped in a blanket.

Elliott says he is relieved the carving has been returned. “I’m glad it’s found and it will be back on display for people to enjoy,” Elliott told the Victoria Times Colonist. “I hope it will make people more curious about native culture.”

Mary Jo Hughes, director of UVic's Legacy Art Galleries, has examined the Elliott carving and says it is miraculous that it was recovered intact.

“We thanked the police for their role in the safe return. There are only slight scratches to the surface,” says Hughes. Sul-Sultan is currently wrapped and stored in a vault, awaiting re-installation in the Fraser Building.

There are about 2,000 pieces of art on display in buildings across UVic’s campus. The University of Victoria Art Collections has about 20,000 objects under its care and responsibility.