South Dakota: Dignity

Dignity (a.k.a. Dignity of Earth & Sky) is a sculpture on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River near Chamberlain, South Dakota. The 50-foot high stainless steel statue by South Dakota artist laureate Dale Lamphere depicts an Indigenous woman in Plains-style dress receiving a star quilt. According to Lamphere, the sculpture honors the culture of the Lakota and Dakota peoples who are indigenous to South Dakota. Assisting Lamphere were sculptors Tom Trople, Jim Maher, Andy Roltgen, and Grant Standard. Automotive paint expert Brook Loobey assisted with the colors for the quilt, and Albertson Engineering of Rapid City, SD ensured the sculpture would endure the strong winds common in the area.

Dignity’s History

Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City, South Dakota announced their gift of Dignity to the State of South Dakota in 2014, in honor of the 125th anniversary of South Dakota statehood. The statue was erected in September 2016 at a site near Interstate 90, where it overlooks the river. It is situated in the Chamberlain Interstate Welcome Center located at mile post 264 and is accessible by both directions of travel. The statue measures 50 feet high, 16 feet deep and 32 feet wide. The star quilt held by the woman has more than 100 blue diamond shapes that move in the wind “like an Aspen leaf”. Three Native American women from Rapid City, SD served as the models for the sculpture. The artist began by first drawing the form and then sculpting a one-eighth-scale model. The sculpture was created in an isolated area near the Cheyenne River, east of Rapid City, SD, and later moved to the installation site. The statue boldly proclaims that South Dakota’s Native cultures are alive, standing with dignity. Since July 1, 2017 South Dakota residents are now able to purchase auto license plates bearing the likeness of Dignity. The plates were designed with the help of the statue’s designer.

To learn more about Dignity: CLICK HERE

Creating: Dignity

Note: The Link takes you to YouTube Video. The Facts & Photos are from wikipedia.org