New Madison Ave. Storefront decoration

[Jeff Endress]

When I got into my office this morning, I noticed that the barber shop across the street by the RTA Madison turnaround had added a classic lifesized "wooden Indian" to their front entrance. Pretty cool and definetly an attention draw.

Jeff

[Gary Rice]

As a long-time worker with Native Americans in the Cleveland area, (although I have not seen this particular example yet), I will assure you that this type of effigy is not always greeted with joy in that community.

[Jeff Endress]

Gary

Your post comes as no surprise. But, really, it's a very nice statue of an Indian. Along the lines of the full sized "chef" sculpture in front of the Westend with the menu board, but without the cartoonish overtones.

Jeff

[Gary Rice]

It's really a matter of educating people Jeff.

Around the turn of the century, at the same time that Native Americans were being "ennobled" by intrusive sculptors and photographers who were "soul-stealing" their images. (and yes, in a number of Native American cultures, the making of an image is thought to take a soul from a person) the US, along with the various states were forcing Native Americans from their lands, if they were not simply killing them beforehand; in places like Wounded Knee.

It's also a matter of perception.

Regardless of the color or quality of a particular statue, just imagine, if you will, a business choosing to attract attention, using a racial effigy from some other group of people.

No matter how "dignified" it was, I would imagine that it would be quickly removed.

[Shawn Juris]

On a less controversial note, it's nice to see some fresh paint going up on Madison storefronts east of Bunts. Two in particular have picked some sharp color combinations that make a huge difference.