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 Bear. He is facing Tsonqua 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.
Bear is approximatly 12 foot high. He is carved from cedar and has been painted. The base he sits on is made from concrete. Unlike Tsonqua across from him, Bear doesn't look very welcoming. His teeth are shown and his paws are drawn up under his chin. Bear is an animal that is many Native American legends. He was installed here in 1987.
He was initially sculpted in 1974 by Duane Pasco for Richard White. He 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