The Clerc Center
Connection

Deaf Sculptor Donates
a Totem Pole to MSSD

Carl “Li’l Bear” Romano, a deaf sculptor and adopted son of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in Sioux, South Dakota, has always wanted to give a totem pole to Gallaudet University. He finally fulfilled his wish this April when he installed a 14-foot, 1,800-lb. totem pole in the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) library.

At the dedication ceremony held in collaboration with the Development Office and the Business Department of Gallaudet, MSSD teachers, staff, and students witnessed the unveiling of the totem pole.

“We are most fortunate to be the recipient of a great work of art from a man who is well-known for his artistry. We are truly grateful to Li’l Bear for this generous gift to the school,” said Clerc Center dean Dr. Katherine A. Jankowski in her introductory remarks.

She introduced Li’l Bear, who conducted a traditional American Indian blessing using a sacred feather to waft incense around the totem pole and to the north, south, east, and west directions in the room. Then Li’l Bear, standing with Pam McMahon, who helped paint the pole, described the meaning of the symbols on it.

Students, teachers, and staff watched as the totem pole donated to MSSD by Carl “Li’l Bear” Romano was unveiled.

The totem pole, which took three months to carve, has an eagle, a bear and cub, and a bison. Li’l Bear chose to carve an eagle to reflect MSSD’s mascot, a bear to represent himself, a cub to show his love for children, and a bison to reflect Gallaudet’s mascot. These images were carved from a single hemlock tree and they follow the designs of the Northwest Coast Indians and Haida.

The designs and colors also have special meaning. The eagle represents a great spirit. The four colors—red, yellow, black, and white—not only represent the eagle, wolf, bear, and bison but also the north, for the snow that prevents many sicknesses; the south, which brings healing; the east which brings us a new day; and the west, for the water of life. The turtle with a cross also carved on the pole symbolizes the earth and the North Cheyenne tribe.

Li’l Bear has created over 30 totem poles—the MSSD pole is the largest so far. He has carved totem poles for the Aurora Camp in Alaska and the New Mexico School for the Deaf camp among others.

“The MSSD totem pole will enrich the history and diversity of the Clerc Center community,” said Dr. Jankowski. “If you have not yet seen this amazing work of art, I invite you to come and see it.”