A majestic
sculpture stands high over the Missouri River in South Dakota, paying homage to
the Native Nations of the Great Plains region. The 50-foot-tall artwork is
named Dignity of Earth and Sky often simplified to just Dignity and depicts an
Indigenous woman getting a star quilt while dressed in a Plains style garment.
The memorial honors the often overlooked collective of women of the Lakota and
Dakota Nations by emphasizing this number.
The
monument was designed by Dale Claude Lamphere a well-known artist. He studied
the rich customs of the Lakota and Dakota cultures when referring to three
Native American models ages 14, 29, and 55 to refine the woman's image. “My
intent is for the sculpture to stand as an enduring symbol of our shared belief
that all here are holy and in a sacred place,” Lamphere says.
The woman
wears a dress inspired by a 1850s two-hide style and bears a star quilt, which
has proved to be the sculpture's most striking feature. The outstretched quilt
which is a Native American emblem of love and honor has 128 stainless steel
blue diamond forms that flutter in the breeze. It also changes appearance
during the day. The bits gleam in the sunlight while the sun is up. They are
illuminated by LED lights at night giving them a dramatic and serene look.
Dignity is
located off I-90 in Chamberlain South Dakota and is worth a visit. Don't miss
out on another chance to learn about Indigenous peoples when you're in the
city. A quick drive away is the Atka Lakota Museum and Cultural Center.
The breathtaking
Dignity statue is a 50-foot tall sculpture that pays tribute to the Lakota and
Dakota Nations' often overlooked group of people.
The
dazzling star quilt is made up of 128 blue diamond-shaped pieces that sway in
the breeze and glitter in the sunlight.
By night,
the sculpture is breathtaking.
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