Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Andrea Wilbur-Sigo. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Female House Post, 2015

Andrea Wilbur-Sigo
(American | Squaxin Island | Skokomish, born 1975)

Location: University of Washington, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Female House Post and Male House Post are two panels carved by artist Andrea Wilbur-Sigo (Squaxin Island/Skokomish). They were designed by Ruth Peterson and Andy Wilbur-Peterson who are important Skokomish artists and Andrea Wilber-Sigo’s parents. The two welcome figures are painted red and black to represent strength. The partial circle at the top represents the notch in the structure poles for the longhouse. The designs surrounding the man and woman represent the spirits of the ancestors, as well as those who are coming in the future.

Andrea Wilbur-Sigo expressed that this project is part of a full circle in her life and artistic career. She was born at the UW hospital in 1975. She remembers as a child when her father, Andy Wilbur-Peterson, and Greg Colfax (Makah) carved the "Welcoming Woman" for The Evergreen State College, and she watched the Woman come to life. Now she is part of bringing these house posts to the UW, and she hopes that their spirits will help all who walk through the Longhouse doors.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with University of Washington.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest carver and artist Andrea Wilbur-Sigo (Squaxin Island and Skokomish) has mastered Coast Salish art forms. She is the first known Native American woman carver of many generations of carvers. She also creates beadwork, button blankets, and baskets.

Andrea Wilbur-Sigo is an active member of the Squaxin Island Tribe (based around Shelton, Western Washington). Her artworks reflects her heritage and its strong artistic community. She serves her tribe as a member of the education committee and board member of the Tribal Museum. She teaches Coast Salish art classes to children and adults.