78th Annual Chief Seattle Days

78th Annual Chief Seattle Days

1989

American, Suquamish, born 1948

The varied images seen here refer to the continuing strength of the Suquamish tribe. Canoes reference the revival of canoe-building and mark the first year of tribal canoe gatherings in 1989. A detail of Joe Hillaire's Land and Sky totem pole suggests strength in the arts. Portraying shamans engaged in "lifting the daylight" with their poles refers to sacred practices, as does the dancer in ceremonial attire. The inter-cultural aspect of Chief Seattle Days is demonstrated in the powwow shawl dancer, a tradition from the plains and plateau, but honored by coastal tribes.

Poster

12 x 18 1/2in. (30.5 x 47cm)

Gift of Simon Ottenberg

2009.5.16

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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