Tending the Fire, Bronze sculpture at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino, Milwaukee, US.
Tending the Fire is a bronze sculpture at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee that shows a seated figure holding a twig toward a fire. The man wears two long braids across his chest, goes bare-chested, and wears fringed pants while three eagle feathers extend from his hair.
The sculpture was created in 2000 by MJM Studios of New York for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino to represent Native American traditions. It was made during a period when the casino became an important economic and cultural institution for the Potawatomi community.
The sculpture honors the Potawatomi people's role as keepers of the sacred fire, a central practice in their traditions. This representation draws from historical photographs and Neshnabé stories that have shaped the tribe's identity.
You can see two identical sculptures: one at the casino's main entrance and another at the administrative office on South 13th Street. Both locations are easily accessible during the day and offer good photo opportunities if you want to capture the artwork.
The sculpture was carved with remarkable anatomical precision that showcases the craftsmanship of the artists. Each element, from the eagle feathers to the braided hair, was worked with great care to honor cultural authenticity.
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