The Observation Deck

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

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.

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

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.

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.