A Nlaka’pamux basket from around 1900, featuring a design resembling a swastika, is up for auction at Waddington’s Discover Inuit and First Nations Art sale in Toronto. Lot 31 is estimated to sell for between $500 and $700, with a starting bid of $400. As of now, no bids have been placed. The basket’s catalog description does not address the historical significance of the symbol. Richard Robertson from B’nai B’rith Canada emphasizes the need for sellers to clarify the cultural importance of such symbols, noting that the swastika historically represents auspiciousness in various cultures, predating its appropriation by the Nazis. Experts assert that the symbol, known to Indigenous peoples as “caterpillar,” carries meanings of balance and harmony and should not be conflated with Nazi iconography.
Why It Matters
The swastika has been used for thousands of years as a sacred symbol in many cultures, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and among Indigenous peoples in the Americas. By the early 20th century, it was commonly associated with good luck in the West. The Nlaka’pamux basket-making tradition is recognized as a national historic event in Canada, highlighting the cultural significance of these artifacts. The distinction between the swastika and the Nazi Hakenkreuz is crucial, as the latter is associated with the atrocities of World War II, causing ongoing trauma for many. Understanding these differences is essential in addressing cultural appropriation and promoting respect for Indigenous symbols.
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