Guardian of the Spirit, (sculpture).

Guardian of the Spirit, (sculpture).

Schneider, Victor G., sculptor. (attributed to)

Guardian of the Spirit, (sculpture).

Digital Reference:

Sculpture: terra cotta, glazed; Base: steel, wood.

Sculpture: approx. 104 x 42 x 24 in.; Base: approx. 7 x 50 1/2 x 66 in. (800 lbs.)

Large terra cotta sculpture depicting the head and headdress of an Indian chief. The sculpture is assembled from 18 pieces and is glazed or painted white. The sculpture is supported in back with wooden and steel beam supports.

Figure male -- Fragment -- Face

Ethnic -- Indian

Dress -- Accessory -- Hat

Outdoor Sculpture -- Washington -- Seattle

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Daybreak Star Arts Center, Discovery Park, P.O. Box 99100, 36th Avenue West & West Howe Street, Seattle, Washington 98199

Formerly located White-Henry-Stuart Building, 4th Avenue & Union Street, Seattle, Washington ca. 1909-1976.

Nearby plaque: "Guardian of the Spirit. This guardian watches over our land so that all who visit here are under his protection. Salvaged from the demolition of the White-Henry-Stuart building, constructed in 1909, this terra cotta Chief's head was one of 16 which adorned the building until 1976, when the building was renovated to make way for the final phase of the Rainier Square at 4th & Union St. downtown Seattle. The craftsman who did the fine terra cotta work is unknown although sculptor Victor G. Schneider is thought to have designed the heads. This terra cotta Chief's head represents our determination and commitment to help make this world a better place for all people and all living things. Presented by Morrie and Joan Alhadeff, dedicated supporters of United Indians, August 26, 1985."

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Washington survey, 1994.

Rupp, James, "Art in Seattle's Public Places", Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1992, pg. 77.

Seattle Arts Commission, "Fieldguide to Seattle's Public Art," 1991, pg. 146-148.

Seattle Arts Commission, "Fieldguide to Seattle's Public Art," 1991, pg. 148.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

Control Number:

Horizon Information Portal 3.25_9382

Powered by SirsiDynix

About | © 2020 Smithsonian | Terms of Use | Privacy | Contact

SIRIS - Smithsonian Institution Research Information System