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 Killer Whale. It is also known as Man Riding Tail of Whale. It sits next to Sun and Raven and is the shorter of the two totems. It is on the right when facing them.
Bear is approximately 20 foot high by 4 feet wide. It is carved from a hollowed out cedar and has been painted. The paint is in poor repair It was originally painted black with highlights of red, green, and white. The black is easily visible, but it is harder to see the other colors. The base it sits on is made from concrete. On the top of the pole sits a man and the remainder of the pole is the whale. Its tail fin is easily recognized. It 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