Hiawatha

About this artwork

Edmonia Lewis's *Hiawatha* (1868) is a delicate marble bust capturing the legendary Iroquois figure from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem *The Song ofiawatha*. Carved to precise dimensions of 13¾ × 7¾ × 5½ inches, this intimate sculpture resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, reflecting its place in 19th-century American art Lewis, a trailblazing sculptor of African and Ojibwe heritage, often from Native American themes, infusing her works with personal and cultural resonance. Created during the post-Civil War era,Hiawatha* embodies neoclassical ideals with its smooth, polished marble surface and idealized features—hallmarks of Lewis's training in Rome, where she honed her ability to carve large blocks herself, defying gender and racial barriers. As one of the first Black women to achieve international acclaim as a professional sculptor, Lewis used such pieces to challenge stereotypes, elevating Indigenous narratives in fine art. This work's cultural importance lies in its American identity, bridging literature, mythology, and sculpture. Visitors admire how Lewis's technical mastery brings Hiawatha's contemplative gaze to life, inviting reflection on identity and heritage in a transformative time.