Caduceus
Description:
Print Method: Giclée
Edition: 99
Released: April 2020
Caduceus
In hard times, we look for help. It is during these difficult days that amazing people step to the fore to provide that assistance. In recent weeks, while secluded in my home, I’ve heard many tales of individuals going above and beyond to treat and care for people who are suffering. The reality is that, while these are particularly trying times, these extraordinarily dedicated and caring individuals feel that this is simply “what they do”. For all the health care workers out there who, through great personal sacrifice, spend untold hours caring for the sick and injured...this image is for you.
For cultures throughout the world, the serpent appears time and time again in ancient art. It is a symbol of transformation, rebirth and change. It represents healing and renewal of life.
While it is found in other ancient cultures, this staff, or “Caduceus”, is most often associated with Hermes, the messenger of the gods in Greek culture. In legend, he threw the staff between two fighting snakes and brought peace to them both. The imagery of two snakes coiled around the caduceus came to represent negotiation and commerce—not the medical imagery we associate it with today. Interestingly, the symbol began to be used by early book publishers who published many medical texts. The use of the caduceus on flags of truce by medics during the American civil war further contextualized it as a medical symbol. The similarity of this symbol to the rod with a single serpent held by the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius, led many institutions in North America to adopt this iconography to represent the medical field. Personally, I find it fascinating how symbols can change their meaning over time. With modern advances in health research, the similarity of the serpents to strands of DNA is simply unmistakeable so the symbol takes on renewed meaning.
In support and solidarity for healthcare workers and recognizing that my grandmother was herself a nurse in the remote village of Bella Bella during the tail end of the Spanish Influenza pandemic, $30 from each print will be donated to a scholarship fund for Indigenous students pursuing careers in the healthcare field. The money will be donated to Indspire, a Canada-wide scholarship organization, who will administer these funds to students.
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Are Totem Design House products authentically Indigenous-made?
Yes. Totem Design House is proudly 100% Indigenous-owned and operated. All of our designs are created by Indigenous artists, including award-winning Northwest Coast artist Andy Everson, and the majority of our products are made in-house at our studio on K’ómoks First Nation territory. By purchasing from us, you are directly supporting Indigenous artists, cultural revitalization, and sustainable business practices.
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Yes. At Totem Design House, we prioritize eco-friendly materials and sustainable production practices. Whenever possible, we source organic fabrics, recycled metals, and locally produced materials. Most of our products are designed and made in-house to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure exceptional quality. Supporting Totem Design House means supporting Indigenous artists and a business that values sustainability, cultural integrity, and ethical production.
About us
Indigenous Woman-Owned
Totem Design House is a proudly Indigenous-owned and operated lifestyle brand founded by Haida and Cree entrepreneur Erin Brillon. From our studio on K’ómoks First Nation territory, we create products that blend traditional stories with modern design. Every purchase directly supports Indigenous artists, cultural revitalization, and sustainable business practices.
Guided by Indigenous Values
Totem Design House is more than a lifestyle brand — we’re a social enterprise. A portion of every purchase supports Copper Legacy Indigenous Empowerment Society, funding initiatives that uplift Indigenous communities and cultural revitalization. Through our products, we share the stories, teachings, and traditions of our ancestors, creating opportunities for education while celebrating authentic Indigenous artistry. Our work is grounded in sustainability, reciprocity, and respect for the land and culture.
About Our Artists
Our designs are created by award-winning Indigenous artists, including Andy Everson of the K’ómoks First Nation & Jesse Brillon of the Haida & Cree Nations. Each piece carries a story — celebrating our connection to the land, the ocean, and our ancestors. When you shop Totem Design House, you’re supporting real artists and helping to keep Indigenous traditions alive.