Moses, Chief of the Okinokans 1891 - 1906

This bronze relief was made by Olin Levi Warner, in 1891. It depicts Moses, Chief of the Okinokans. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, and the lost-wax casting process used to create this relief is both technically demanding, and historically significant. The original form would have been modeled in wax, then encased in a mold, before molten bronze was poured in. Once cooled, the mold is broken to reveal the sculpture. The chasing and finishing process, which involves carefully refining the surface, gives it a smooth and consistent finish. The material's inherent qualities – its density, its capacity to capture fine detail, and its potential for a deep, dark patina – contribute to the relief's gravitas and sense of permanence. The bronze suggests a dialogue between different cultural traditions. As a material, bronze has been central to both European sculpture, and indigenous metalworking practices. This relief, therefore, embodies both artistic skill and cultural exchange, and reminds us to look beyond conventional distinctions between art and craft.