The Skowhegan Indian, a towering wooden sculpture in Skowhegan, Maine, has recently fallen victim to the wrath of Mother Nature.
The sculpture, which stands at 62 feet tall and depicts a Wabanaki fisherman, has suffered significant damage to its face, arm, and spear as a result of wild weather and a recent windstorm.
Created in 1969 by artist Bernard Langlais, a student and teacher at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, the Skowhegan Indian has long been a beloved local landmark.
Before the damage occurred, the fisherman was portrayed holding a spear in one hand and a fishing weir in the other, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of the Wabanaki people.
The recent damage to the sculpture, including the loss of part of its arm and spear, has left the community in shock.
The face of the sculpture had already been damaged months prior, and the recent windstorm only added to the devastation.
The Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the maintenance of the sculpture, is now faced with the daunting task of funding another restoration.
Luke York, chair of the board of directors of the Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce, has expressed the chamber’s commitment to restoring the iconic sculpture.
Despite the challenges posed by the need for another restoration, the Skowhegan Indian remains a symbol of pride and identity for the community.
In fact, the community recently made the decision to rename the mascot of the local high school from the Indians to the River Hawks, further solidifying the sculpture’s significance in the town’s history and culture.
As efforts to raise funds for the restoration of the Skowhegan Indian continue, the community remains hopeful that this beloved landmark will once again stand tall and proud, serving as a reminder of the rich heritage and resilience of the Wabanaki people.
The Skowhegan Indian may have been damaged by the forces of nature, but its spirit and significance endure, symbolizing the enduring strength and unity of the community it represents.
The towering wooden sculpture, standing at an impressive 62 feet (19 meters) tall, is currently missing a significant portion of its face and arm, as well as a spear.
The damage to the sculpture is believed to have been caused by wild weather and a particularly strong windstorm that occurred on February 28-29.
This sculpture, depicting a Wabanaki fisherman, was completed in 1969 by artist Bernard Langlais, who was both a student and teacher at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, as reported by the Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to the damage, the fisherman was depicted holding a spear in one hand and a fishing weir, or trap, in the other.
The face of the sculpture had already been damaged months prior, and the recent windstorm exacerbated the situation by knocking off part of the sculpture’s arm and the spear it held.
The sculpture had undergone restoration a decade ago, and now the Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce is faced with the task of finding funding for another restoration project, as stated by Luke York, the chair of the board of directors.
It is truly disheartening to hear that this towering wooden sculpture, which holds significant cultural and historical value, has been left surrounded by crime scene tape after being assaulted by Mother Nature.
The Skowhegan Indian, a 62-foot sculpture depicting a Wabanaki fisherman, has been a symbol of pride and identity for the community since its completion in 1969 by artist Bernard Langlais.
The sculpture’s missing face, arm, and spear are a stark reminder of the destructive power of wild weather and windstorms.
It is particularly distressing to learn that the recent windstorm on Feb. 28-29 exacerbated the damage, causing further harm to this iconic piece of art.
As a testament to its importance, the Skowhegan Indian has not only served as a symbol of cultural heritage but has also been a source of inspiration for the community.
The decision to rename the high school mascot to the River Hawks in honor of the sculpture further underscores its significance in the hearts of the locals.
I commend the efforts of the Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce in seeking ways to fund the restoration of the Skowhegan Indian.
It is imperative that we come together as a community to preserve and protect this treasured landmark for future generations to appreciate and cherish.
In conclusion, I urge all stakeholders to prioritize the restoration of the Skowhegan Indian and ensure that it continues to stand tall as a symbol of resilience and unity in the face of adversity. Let us work together to safeguard our cultural heritage and uphold the legacy of this iconic sculpture.