A monumental carving in the Wildwoods
IHEA wood carvers and blacksmiths constructed a monumental carving which is standing proud in the Storyteller’s Garden across from Booth 651 in the Wildwood section of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
Modeled after a First Nation totem pole, the carving was done on a 16 foot tall cedar tree. In order to complete the carving, woodworkers took two large stumps and notched out areas to hold the massive tree in front of the woodworking shop.
The carving of the totem took place primarily during the 2014 festival season. Many patrons returned to check on the progress of the carving each week.
The bark was removed using traditional draw knives to prepare a blank canvas. Once the tree was bare, the woodworking team was able to envision the designs which would be brought to life. The top of the tree, with all of the limb stubs and knots, would be perfect to be carved into a castle, including turrets of course.
As the balconies, stairs, doors, windows, and parapets of the castle began to take shape, the wood carving team felt the castle would not be complete without a dragon to defend it. The blacksmiths rose to the challenge and created a dragon suspended from the castle.
The iron dragon wraps gracefully around the top of the castle as it invades the residents. It was constructed of one-inch square stock using a power hammer. The wings were constructed of sheet metal.
As we move down the totem, our Wood Spirit watches over the patrons traveling throughout the festival grounds. Wood spirits are a symbol of good luck and fortune for travelers and protection from evil. Before embarking on travels through the woods, people would knock on the tree to wake up the sleeping spirit. The saying ‘knock on wood’ comes from this tradition.
Our group identification is the focus of the center portion of the totem. IHEA was officially established in 1998. Our founding members have been participating and providing period craft demonstrations at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival since 1985.
Next on the totem is a triquetra. Like all Celtic knots, the triquetra is constructed of one continuous line weaving around itself. Many meanings can be associated with the triquetra: three stages of life; three elements; three domains; earth, sea and sky; past, present and future.
Near the foundation of the totem is the symbol of HODA (House of Dragon Aerie) which embodies the spirit of a family of friends. HODA was established in 1985 and is the foundation from which the non-profit IHEA was formed.
Final additions to dress out the totem included a long braid from one of the tower windows, reminiscent of a famous princess story. adding to the whimsy of the festival.
The totem was mounted on a concrete pillar before the 2015 festival season and has been a popular spot for memorable photos ever since.