A Signal of Peace Statue

Did you ever hear of a statue that sparked controversy and admiration all at once? Right here in Lincoln Park stands A Signal of Peace, a bronze equestrian sculpture created by Cyrus Edwin Dallin in 1890. A Signal of Peace depicts a Native American man on horseback, his hand raised holding a spear. It’s a powerful image, and it has a fascinating story. Dallin, while studying in Paris, found inspiration in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. He sculpted the figure based on a member of the show, capturing the dignity and strength he witnessed. The plaster version earned him honorable mention at the Paris Salon of 1890. Later, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, Lambert Tree purchased the bronze version for a hefty $10,000 and gifted it to Lincoln Park. A Signal of Peace has stood here, overlooking Lake Michigan, since the summer of 1894. Interestingly, the model for the statue was Philip, son of Kicking Bear, a Sioux chief. Dallin, having grown up near Paiute and Ute tribes, had a deep respect for Indigenous people. He intended the sculpture to symbolize peace and respect. However, over time, the statue has drawn criticism for potentially reinforcing stereotypes. Despite the debate, A Signal of Peace remains a significant piece of Chicago’s public art collection. It serves as a reminder of a complex history and the ongoing dialogue about representation.