There are four totems within Occidental Square in the Pioneer Square area. They share a lot of the same history, so the descriptions are similar.
This totem is called Tsonqua. She is facing Bear and when they were originally installed, there was a garden between them. The garden has since been replaced with bricks and now you can walk between them.
Tsonqua is carved from cedar and has been painted. She is approximately 12 feet tall. The base she sits on is made from concrete. She is a mythical giant from Northwest Indian Lore. She is very welcoming with her arms outstretched. She was installed here in 1987.
She was initially sculpted in 1973 by Duane Pasco for Richard White. She was displayed at White's restaurant, Kiana Lodge. In 1985 White donated the totems to the City of Seattle. Pasco refinished the totems and they were placed in Occidental Square in 1987.
Duane Pasco is a Northwest native and became a career carver in 1967. He lives in Poulsbo, Washington, and his works can be seen throughout the greater Seattle area.
Paid street parking and garage parking is available. There is a nearby geocache by a beautiful indoor waterfall. There is other art in the square including the firefighter's memorial.
Learn More about Seattle Public Art