Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net

Alpha Sacred Beings (The Origin of Creation)

Alpha Sacred Beings (The Origin of Creation)
Marianela Fuentes, 2022
* References to William Penn and Tamanend
* dinosaur, abstract symbolic beadwork
* inscription:
...a monument symbolizing a bridge between two indigenous Nations. This artwork and its concept was created by lead artist Marianela Funetes, whose previous works in her Sacred Beings series have roots with the Huichol or Wixarika indigenous people of Mexico.
The beaded design was created in partnership with artists from the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation. These images tell stories from our region's original people; they are stewards of all the land throughout the Delaware Valley and Philadelphia, or "Coaqannock", and still live here today. The turtle on the crown symbolizes all the land throughout North America. Around the dinosaur's hips is a wampum belt that was given to recognize the friendship treaty under the Sackamaxon Elm between William Penn ("Mikwon"), and Tamanend ("the Affable One"). Along the spine, fire, water, wind, mountain, moon, sun, and stars appear in a set of seven to represent Seven Generations. The four cardinal directions are represented on each limb. Flora and fauna native to our region also appear throughout the beadwork. As with all things, from the tip of the tail to the end of the nose, the monument begins and ends in the stars.
"Inspired by a Parasaurolophus dinosaur that once walked the land in both the Delaware Valley and Mexico, this piece embodies both accurate science and the divine art in one sacred being. Carved by hand in colorful beads telling the story of a time with the symbols of the Lenni-Lenape tribe and the Huichol tribe of Mexico, becoming a bridge between two nations."
Collaborating Artists: Roberta Flores, Leonard D. Harmon, Saul Eleuterio Wiyame, Isidra Rios Xaureme
Parasaurolophus approximate 76.5-73 million years ago
Diet: Herbivore
Height: 4 meters (13 feed)
Length: 10 meters (33 feet)
Weight: 4-5 tons (8,000-10,000 lbs) alpha1-4 (uploaded, need to backup)
Location: North America
* South side of League Island Park at the Navy Yard. 11th and Constitution.
* 39.891050,-75.171000 [map] [nearby]
* See also:
+marianelafuentes.art
+wikipedia.org's William Penn page
+wikipedia.org's Tamanend page
+sikora-wa.com's League Island Park page