About 200 people gave a warm welcome to a new piece of public art Oct. 9 that will mark the start of the Sound-to-Olympics trail: a 14-foot carved cedar pole.
The totem on Bainbridge Island depicts Shweabe (shway-bay), father of Chief Sealth (known as Seattle) and a historic leader of the Suquamish tribe.
The installation was funded by the BI Parks Foundation, the city and the tribe. Artist Randi Purser carved the totem from an old-growth cedar log, with the blessing of her mentor, late legendary native carver Duane Pasco.
Purser discussed her creative process at the ceremony. Shweabe’s garments, especially the rope around his waist and woven cedar hat, feature intricate details that have never before been depicted in a Suquamish pole.
Additionally, it was Pasco who suggested that Shweabe’s face be three-dimensional. He visited Purser’s workshop to see the completed pole. Pasco was so taken with the piece that he kissed Shweabe on the lips, Purser said.
The frog below Shweabe’s feet symbolizes new beginnings and the family.
Leonard Forsman, chairman of the Suquamish Tribe since 2005, applauds a speech in front of Shweabe.
Carver Randi Purser shares the story and significance of her carving, and pays respect to her mentors and family members.
Bainbridge Mayor Joe Deets offers a gift to carver Randi Purser during the welcome pole dedication.
Members of the Suquamish and Indipino communities wore their traditional cedar hats in celebration of the welcome pole dedication.
