Minnehaha 1868

Edmonia Lewis's "Minnehaha" (1868) is a marble bust depicting the Ojibwe woman from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem "The Song of Hiawatha." The bust is a testament to Lewis's talent as a sculptor and her commitment to representing the beauty and dignity of Native American culture. The work is notable for its delicate detail, capturing the subject’s soft features and traditional garb. This piece highlights the artistic contributions of Lewis, an African American and Native American woman, who broke barriers in the art world during the 19th century.