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Chief Seattle

Chief Seattle is a life-size outdoor sculpture by local artist James Wehn, installed in Tilikum Place in Seattle, Washington. Commissioned in 1907, the statue faced problems with several poor castings before being sent to New York for final casting. It was formally unveiled on November 13, 1912, by Myrtle Loughery, a great-granddaughter of Chief Seattle. The work was the first commissioned in Seattle and the city’s second public artwork overall. After being cleaned for the 1962 Century 21 Exposition, it was returned to its original location and orientation facing Elliott Bay. The statue was rededicated in 1975, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, and named a city landmark in 1985.

Chief Seattle statue with three people posing in front of it
The Chief Seattle statue stands at Tilikum Place as three people pose in front of it.
© · CC BY 2.0
Chief Seattle statue with a raised arm on an ornate pedestal in a circular street island.
The Chief Seattle statue stands on an ornate pedestal in a circular street island, with commercial buildings and overhead wires behind it.
© Webster & Stevens · Public domain
Bronze relief plaque on the Chief Seattle statue showing a figure looking toward the water, mountains, a rising sun, and a sailing ship.
A bronze relief plaque on the Chief Seattle statue depicts a figure gazing across the water toward distant mountains and a sailing ship.
January 2012 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Bronze bear head fountain detail on the Chief Seattle monument pedestal
Bronze bear-head fountain detail on the pedestal of the Chief Seattle statue.
January 2012 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Six men in ceremonial attire stand near the Chief Seattle statue dedication site beside a flagpole.
A group stands near the Chief Seattle statue dedication site in Seattle, Washington, in 1912.
November 1912 © · CC BY 2.0

Identification

TitleChief Seattle
Typeoutdoor sculpture

Iconography and meaning

Historical significance of subjectRespected among his own people and among white settlers, and advocated peaceful coexistence with them
Associated peopleDr. David S. Maynard, who founded the city of Seattle and advocated Native American rights
SubjectChief Seattle, leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes
Depicted figureChief Seattle

Creator

ArtistJames Wehn
Artist descriptionlocal artist

Historical context

Commissioned1907

Physical characteristics

Sizelife-size
Weight300-400 lb (136-181 kg)
BaseStone base designed to serve as a fountain

Materials

Original surface treatmentOriginally gilded with gold leaf
MaterialCopper

Appearance

Poseright hand extended as if greeting
Appearance by 1980Had turned green

Location and ownership

LocationTilikum Place, Seattle, Washington, United States
Original orientationFacing Elliott Bay

History and restoration

Restoration discoveryA subsequent restoration revealed the gilding
Damage during cleaning attemptA local taxi driver attempted to clean it himself, scratching it and exposing the original bronze color
Rededication date8 December 1975
Unveiled atTilikum Place
Proposed reorientationA proposal to turn the statue to face the Seattle Center Monorail was opposed by Wehn
Removed for cleaningIn anticipation of the Century 21 Exposition of 1962
Unveiled byMyrtle Loughery, great-great-granddaughter of Chief Seattle
Unveiling date13 November 1912
Casting historyThe design suffered multiple failed castings and was eventually sent to New York to be cast

Significance

Firsts and significanceFirst commissioned sculpture in Seattle and the city's second public artwork overall

Discovery and provenance

Proposed relocation sitesDuwamish Head, Denny Park, and Pioneer Square
National Register of Historic PlacesAdded on 19 April 1984
City landmark designationDeclared a Seattle city landmark on 6 May 1985