Beautiful 50-Foot-Tall Sculpture Pays Tribute to Native American Women in South Dakota

This beautiful 50 foot tall sculpture in South Dakota named “Dignity” was recently erected, it was made to respect native culture. from r/interestingasfuck

High above the Missouri River in South Dakota sits a magnificent sculpture that’s a beautiful tribute to the Native Nations of the Great Plains region. The 50-foot-tall artwork is called Dignity of Earth and Sky—often shortened to just Dignity—and is a statue of an Indigenous woman wearing a Plains-style dress and receiving a star quilt. In highlighting this figure, the memorial recognizes the often-overlooked group of women of the Lakota and Dakota Nations.

Artist Dale Claude Lamphere created the beloved monument. To perfect the woman’s portrait, he referred to three Native American models—ages 14, 29, and 55—while studying the rich traditions of the Lakota and Dakota culture. “My intent,” Lamphere explains, “is for the sculpture to stand as an enduring symbol of our shared belief that all here are sacred and in a sacred place.”

The woman wears a dress pattern inspired by a two-hide design of the 1850s and holds a star quilt, which has proven to be the most striking part of the entire sculpture. The outstretched quilt—a symbol of respect and honor in Native American culture—features 128 stainless steel blue diamond shapes that flutter when the wind blows. It also appears differently throughout the day. When the sun is up, the pieces dazzle in the daylight. At night, they are illuminated by LED lights and have a dramatic yet tranquil appearance.

If you’d like to visit Dignity, it is located off I-90 in Chamberlain, South Dakota. While you’re in the area, don’t miss another opportunity to learn about Indigenous people. The Atka Lakota Museum and Cultural Center is just a short drive away.

The breathtaking Dignity statue is a 50-foot-tall sculpture that pays homage to the often-overlooked group of women of the Lakota and Dakota Nations.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by zach shaw (@zach__shaw)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Warrior Women (@warriorwomenfilm)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by mer ➳ detroit (@mer.chapman)

The stunning star quilt features 128 blue diamond-shaped pieces that move in the wind and sparkle in the sun.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Wesley McCants III (@the3rdwes)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lee (@faeriesarecrazy)

The sculpture is stunning at night:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Andre Sas (@itwasalljustadream)

Dale Claude Lamphere: Website | Facebook

Related Articles:

Powerful Portraits of Native Americans Highlight Their Spirit and Cultural Identity [Interview]

Interactive Map Reveals Which Indigenous Lands You’re Living On

96-Year-Old Navajo Grandmother Goes Viral on TikTok for Her Beadwork

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content