washingtonpost.com > Photo

Giving thanks with the Buffalo Dancer

A 12-foot-high statue, "The Buffalo Dancer," is placed at the National Museum of the American Indian as part of a celebration of the 5th anniversary of its opening and the 20th anniversary of its founding legislation.

The sculpture, "The Buffalo Dancer," was installed to kick off National American Indian Heritage month, which begins this Sunday, and to celebrate the museum's founding.

The sculpture, "The Buffalo Dancer," was installed to kick off National American Indian Heritage month, which begins this Sunday, and to celebrate the museum's founding.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

Sculptor George Rivera, far left, of the Pueblo of Pojoague, watches the careful unloading of his creation.

Sculptor George Rivera, far left, of the Pueblo of Pojoague, watches the careful unloading of his creation.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

The Buffalo Dance, as it is performed by the Pueblos of New Mexico, is a celebration of thanksgiving, including prayers, songs and male and female dancers.

The Buffalo Dance, as it is performed by the Pueblos of New Mexico, is a celebration of thanksgiving, including prayers, songs and male and female dancers.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

Patrick Nichols secures the placement of the base of the statue.

Patrick Nichols secures the placement of the base of the statue.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

Nichols checks the face of the statue after it is lowered into place and its protective covering is removed.

Nichols checks the face of the statue after it is lowered into place and its protective covering is removed.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

Rivera takes a photo of his work in its permanent location outside the museum. He works in monumental stone and clay sculpture, painting and architectural design, according to his Web site.

Rivera takes a photo of his work in its permanent location outside the museum. He works in monumental stone and clay sculpture, painting and architectural design, according to his Web site.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

The museum will have special programming throughout November to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and the anniversary of its founding.

The museum will have special programming throughout November to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and the anniversary of its founding.

Gerald Martineau-The Washington Post

Gallery Credits:

Note: Please upgrade your Flash plug-in to view our enhanced content.

More on washingtonpost.com

• More Photo News

» washingtonpost.com

Network News

X Profile

View More Activity

© 2009 www.washingtonpost.com