Dignity's Quilt

In our quilt journeys, we have seen most of the Lewis and Clark trail along the Missouri River. Standing on the bluff in Chamberlain, South Dakota is one of the most spectacular views.

Dignity is 50 feet tall and gazes over the Missouri River from a rest area along I-90. She is made of stainless steel and was installed in 2016. She attracts many visitors, but don't worry, there is plenty of room at the rest area and she is totally accessible. Her full name is Dignity of Earth and Sky.

If you are a quilter, you will first be mesmerized by the star quilt she carries. The star quilt is made from 128 blue diamonds. The two blue colors were chosen for the water and sky that surround her. In the daylight, they are designed to flutter in the breeze. At night, they are lighted with LED lights.

Why does Dignity carry a quilt? In the culture of the First Nations, it symbolizes respect, honor, and admiration. "Dignity represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota culture in South Dakota," said Dale Lamphere. "My hope is that the sculpture might serve as a symbol of respect and promise for the future."

Lamphere used three models ages 14, 29, and 55 for her face. She wears a dress drawn from the two-hide dress of the 1850's. Dignity was a gift from Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City to the State of South Dakota at a cost of $1 million.

Don't forget to use the travel features of QuiltingHub while in South Dakota. There is a charming quilt shop in Chamberlain and 22 others from East to West. The capital, Pierre, is one of the cleanest cities I have ever visited and has an impressive museum of culture and history.

"My intent is for the sculpture to stand as an enduring symbol of our shared belief that all here are sacred and in a sacred place."- Dale Claude Lamphere