Weeping Cedar Woman

Godfrey Stephens was inspired to carve the "Weeping Cedar Woman" in 1984 to aid the protest against logging the ancient rain forests of Clayoquot Sound and Meares Island.

Carved from a 300 year old wind fallen Western Red Cedar from Meares Island, the body and tears are of one piece, hands and feet carved separately and mortised.

Tears streaming from her eyes represent the sorrow she feels at the destruction.

The right hand is upheld to say, "Stop!" her left hand pointing to earth, considering nature.

After the protest, the statue was moved to Strawberry Island, where the carving stood for 16 years facing the town of Tofino, B.C., photographed by tourists from around the world and admired by local people.

Commercial photographers made postcards for distribution