Spirit Dancing in the Longhouse

Sculpture

-

Seattle Convention Center

Spirit Dancing in the Longhouse, by Ronald Hilbert, panel 1

Spirit Dancing in the Longhouse, by Ronald Hilbert, panel 1

Name/Title

Spirit Dancing in the Longhouse

Entry/Object ID

L2001.2.1

Description

The five panels, created by Ronald Hilbert are entitled "Spirit Dancing in the Longhouse (Smokehouse)". The artist was a member of the Tulalip tribe in the Upper Skagit. Each panel represents a different aspect of the Skagit ritual dance ceremony. Hilbert himself dances in these ceremonies and brings an intimate knowledge of the ritual to his work. Since the ceremonial dancing is closed to those outside of the tribe, visual recognition of the figures' meaning is open only to members of the tribe.

Type of Sculpture

Carving

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Ronald Hilbert

Role

Carver

Date made

1989

Dimensions

Height

60 in

Width

47 in

Depth

4 in

Web Links and URLs

City of Seattle, Office of Arts and Culture, collection

Copyright

Copyright Holder

Ronald Hilbert

Interpretative Labels

Label

Ron Hilbert Hand carved and painted cedar panels CL89.023a-e This artwork is dedicated to the memory of Carl Petrick, former Executive Director of the Seattle Arts Commission, and blessed by Skagit elders in a traditional Native American ritual. This work was commissioned with Seattle City Light 1 % for Art funds, administered by the Seattle Arts Commission. Hilbert is known for his works reflecting different Salish (Western Washington Indian culture) ceremonial dances. "We've had this for centuries, although it was outlawed in the early 1900s by the Catholic Church," said Hilbert. "I am proud to bring this culture to all people, Indian and non-Indian. I want everyone to see what we have, what our culture is about. Ours is a religion that is tolerant of all others."- Artist's statement. Hilbert is a member of the Tulalip tribe. City of Seattle 1 % for Art Portable Works Collection