Hiawatha 1868

Edmonia Lewis carved this marble bust of Hiawatha, a legendary Native American figure, capturing the spirit of longing and reflection. Notice the feathers adorning his head and the necklace, potent symbols of Native American identity and power. These motifs echo through time. Consider the feathered headdresses of ancient Mesoamerica, also symbols of authority and divine connection. But here, in Hiawatha, the feathers seem softer, imbued with a sense of melancholy. This echoes across cultures; feathers might signify freedom, but also loss, think of Icarus and the fall. This sculpture engages us on a deeply emotional level. Hiawatha’s downward gaze suggests contemplation, inviting us to consider the weight of history and the complexities of cultural identity. A powerful expression of the artist’s own heritage, it embodies resilience and the enduring human spirit. The cyclical nature of history allows us to consider this artwork as both a reminder and a promise.