Day/Night

Description: The sculpture Day/Night, made by Edgar Heap of Birds, is currently located in Pioneer Square next to the bust sculpture of Chief Seattle, who is known around the world for the famous speech he gave during treaty negotiations in 1854.  The speech is regarded as one of the greatest statements ever made concerning the relationship between a people and the earth.  Written in Lushootseed (front) and English (back), Day/Night seems to convey, in a contemporary sense, the feelings and thoughts that the Chief had for the very land that the statue sits upon. The use of the Lushootseed language, in a public way, is in itself unusual and unique.  One panel reads: “Far away brothers and sisters, we still remember you” while the other one reads: “Chief Seattle, now the streets are our home.”

Artist Statement: With the sculpture DAY/NIGHT the theme of the porcelain panels seeks to proclaim that for many transient inter-tribal native people the streets of Seattle are home.  Secondly it is declared that although these tribal citizens have sought refuge in the urban centers. 

Location: Pioneer Place Park, 100 Yesler Way, Seattle WA  98105