Carved Wood Robin c. 1937

James McLellan carved this wooden robin, likely sometime in the 20th century. The bird, perched and alert, has long served as a potent symbol across cultures. Consider its appearance in folklore and mythology, where birds often bridge the earthly and spiritual realms. The robin, with its distinctive red breast, is often associated with spring, rebirth, and the return of light. It also carries deeper, sometimes contradictory, meanings. Think of the robin in Christianity, linked to compassion, its red breast stained by the blood of Christ. Yet, in other traditions, it can symbolize watchfulness, even aggression. This duality speaks to the complex ways in which symbols evolve. As the robin reappears across time, it reflects our changing relationship with nature, and our own internal conflicts. McLellan’s carving taps into these deep-seated associations, engaging us on a subconscious level. The simple act of depicting this bird becomes a powerful statement, echoing through the corridors of cultural memory.