Seattle Center Totem
Duane Pasco with
Victor Mowatt and Earl Muldon
1970
SW corner of Seattle Center Armory
Located near the Center House, the Seattle
Center Totem is a 30-foot-high pole carved in the Pacific Northwest coast
Indian tradition. It features from top to bottom Hawk, Bear (holding a salmon),
Raven and Killer Whale. Traces of the original bright red and black paint are
still visible but undeniably faded. The once well-defined designs of the
hand-carved wood have been smoothed by years of wind, rain and sun. This
natural weathering is not meant to be viewed as an indication of neglect but
rather as a sign of respect in accordance with the Native American tradition
that totems be left to age gracefully. Such obvious signs of nature taking its
course are considered hard-earned and worthy of display.
Seattle Center Totem was funded by the Seattle Arts Commission.