Artwork copyright Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay). Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Artwork copyright Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay). Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Feather Hat, 1984

Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay)
American Skokomish (born 1944, died 2005)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

About the Artwork

Native American artist Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay) created Feather Hat as part of traditional Coast Salish dancing regalia. He notes, “the feathers represent the prayers of the dancers, the power of the larger birds to carry the prayers up. The spinner represents the prayers of the dancer’s thoughts as he goes around lower it spins and carries the prayers he has in his mind to the Creator.”

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

Elder, teacher, and artist Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay) (Skokomish, 1944-2005) of the Skokomish Indian Tribe, near Shelton, Western Washington, played a key role in conserving and sustaining the Twana language (belonging to the Coast Salish languages) and culture of the Skokomish people. He was a master of traditional Skokomish weaving and carving, and led the revival of a number of traditional Twana spiritual and ceremonial practices. He became the tribe's cultural and educational director in 1971. He was honored with a Washington State Governor's Arts and Heritage Award in 1992, and a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2004. He passed on tribal stories, traditions, and skills to many apprentices.