Seltice, Chief of the Coeur d'Alenes 1891 - 1906

This bronze portrait medal of Seltice, Chief of the Coeur d'Alenes, was created by Olin Levi Warner. Medals like this one are typically made through a process of modeling and casting. The artist first carves the design in a positive relief, often in wax or clay. This is then used to create a mold, into which molten bronze is poured. The resulting cast captures every detail of the original model. The bronze medium itself lends a sense of permanence and gravity to the portrait. Its dark color and smooth surface highlight the contours of Seltice's face, emphasizing his dignity and strength. In the late 19th century, bronze was also associated with industrial progress and civic achievement. By portraying Seltice in this material, Warner subtly acknowledges the shifting dynamics between Native American communities and the expanding industrial world. Considering the materials, making, and context in which artwork such as this was created allows us to consider broader historical narratives, in a dialogue between craft, design, and materiality.