Mowitch Man

Mowitch Man, By Andrea Wilbur-Sigo: Photo credit: ©Joseph Allen Freeman Jr.
Mowitch Man, By Andrea Wilbur-Sigo

Photo credit: ©Joseph Allen Freeman Jr.

Name/Title

Mowitch Man

Entry/Object ID

2023.1.57

Description

Old growth red cedar, carved in the form of Coast Salish, male, welcome figure called Mowitch Man. He wears a cap painted red, and skirt painted red with black painted Salish motifs. He holds in his right hand a carved talking stick, which is accented with sisal rope and elk toes.

Type of Sculpture

Carving

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Andrea M. Wilbur-Sigo

Role

Carver

Date made

2022

Dimensions

Height

16 ft

Copyright

Copyright Holder

Andrea M. Wilbur-Sigo

Interpretative Labels

Label

Welcome figures once stood on these Coast Salish lands to do what the artist is intending to accomplish today: to welcome, respect and protect everyone who comes into their presence. As the artist explains, “They are here to take care of us as a community.” Mowitch Man is holding a talking stick, a powerful symbol and communication tool used to foster listening and respect during the gathering, ensuring all may be heard. His regalia depicts the underwater world, intended to “make people think about…how together we can make a safer, stronger and healthy environment for all.” The Beginning of their transformation... It is believed that every Cedar tree knows who and what they will become, that Carvers are put here to help them finish their journey of transformation and from there they will stand and protect and welcome all whom are in their presence...