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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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265 results for: Visual Arts

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Image of Chief Si'ahl (Chief Seattle) fountain, Seattle, circa 1925
Photograph

Chief Si'ahl (Chief Seattle) fountain, Seattle, circa 1925

In 1905 22-year-old Seattle sculptor James A. Wehn applied for and eventually won the commission of a local improvement fund to design a fountain and statue at the corner of Denny Way, Cedar Street and Fifth Avenue. His copper statue of Chief Si'ahl (Chief Seattle) at Tilikum Place was unveiled on Founders Day, November 13, 1912, by the Chief's great-great-granddaughter…
ID Number:1983.10.3080.5
Date:circa 1925
Image of Professor Meany having his portrait painted, circa 1925
Photograph

Professor Meany having his portrait painted, circa 1925

Professor Edmond S. Meany was one of the University of Washington's most notable faculty members. Meany began teaching history in 1897, when the history department was first established, and he taught until his death in 1935. During his busy lifetime, Meany also served as a legislator, journalist, author, and president of The Mountaineers. People on campus referred to him as…
ID Number:1983.10.3169
Date:1925
Image of Totem pole, February 15, 1930
Photograph

Totem pole, February 15, 1930

This photo of a totem pole is at an unknown location. The note on the sleeve of the negative was "Totem Pole at Barry's Res." Handwritten on sleeve: Totem Pole at Barry's Res. 2/15/30.Webster & Stevens number: 134708
ID Number:1983.10.4148.1
Date:1930
Image of People under Pioneer Square pergola, Seattle, circa 1910
Photograph

People under Pioneer Square pergola, Seattle, circa 1910

The pergola in Pioneer Square was designed by Seattle architect Julian Everett. In was built in 1909 as a stop for the Yesler and James Street Cable Car Company. This photo shows pedestrians shortly after the construction of hte pergola. Webster & Stevens number: 27XCaption information source: "Truck accidentally destroys Seattle's historic Pioneer Square pergola on January 15, 2001," by…
ID Number:1983.10.6148
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Life drawing class at Western Academy of the Beaux Arts , 1911
Photograph

Life drawing class at Western Academy of the Beaux Arts , 1911

After the University of Washington moved to its present campus, a group of Seattle artists and architects held art classes in the old downtown university building. In 1908, they formed the Western Academy of the Beaux Arts and purchased land near Bellevue for an artists' community. This 1911 photo shows a Beaux Arts life drawing class. The artists' drawings are…
ID Number:1983.10.6640
Date:1911
Image of Beaux Arts sculpture class, 1911
Photograph

Beaux Arts sculpture class, 1911

In 1908, Seattle's Western Academy of the Beaux Arts bought land south of Bellevue. Members wanted to build a community where artists and craftspeople could live, work, and play together. They called their new settlement Beaux Arts Village. Part of the land was set aside for workshops and studios.This 1911 photo shows a Beaux Arts sculpture class. Several of the…
ID Number:1983.10.6644
Date:1911
Image of Hudson Bay Fur Co., Seattle, circa 1910
Photograph

Hudson Bay Fur Co., Seattle, circa 1910

Handwritten on sleeve: Hudson Bay Fur Co.Webster & Stevens number: 6160
ID Number:1983.10.7725.2
Date:Circa 1910
Image of White woman buying baskets from an Indigenous woman, Seattle, circa 1911
Photograph

White woman buying baskets from an Indigenous woman, Seattle, circa 1911

At the turn of 19th to 20th centuries, Indigenous artists in the Pacific Northwest were making baskets and carvings specifically for the tourist trade and were experimenting with form and design. Making baskets for sale became an import income source for many Indigenous families. In this photo, taken around 1911 outside a downtown Seattle store, a woman bends to ask…
ID Number:1983.10.7929
Date:1911
Image of Totem pole in Pioneer Square, Seattle, circa 1905
Photograph

Totem pole in Pioneer Square, Seattle, circa 1905

This Tlingit totem was carved around 1870 to honor a high-ranking tribal woman named Aanséet. The pole was named Naas-shagee-yéil and it was placed in Aanséet's village on Tongass Island on the Alaska coast. In 1899, a group of leading Seattle businessmen on a goodwill tour of southeastern Alaska stole the totem and brought it back to Pioneer Square. The…
ID Number:1983.10.8056.2
Date:Circa 1905
Image of Totem pole at Pioneer Square, 1915
Photograph

Totem pole at Pioneer Square, 1915

This Tlingit totem was carved around 1790 to honor a tribal woman named Chief-of-All-Women and it was placed in the village of Tongass on the Alaska coast. In 1899, a group of leading Seattle businessmen on a goodwill tour of southeastern Alaska stole the totem and brought it back to Pioneer Square. The businessmen were indicted for the theft, but…
ID Number:1983.10.10030.1
Date:1915
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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