Artwork copyright Robin Gunshow. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1985.

Artwork copyright Robin Gunshow. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1985 (detail).

Dancing Staff, 1983

Robin Gunshow
American Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (born 1958)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

About the Artwork

Native American artist Robin Gunshow hand-crafted Dancing Staff in Nespelum, Washington using fur, eagle feathers, a hawk's claw, and peyote stitch beadwork. The staff would traditionally be carried by performers during ceremonial dances and gatherings. This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State Arts Commission.

About the Artist

Native American artist Robin Gunshow (Colville Tribe) creates artworks used in traditional ceremonies and gatherings. Further biographical details are not known to us.
If you can add to this information, please contact us at collections@arts.wa.gov.