Support Us Button Widget

See Bascom Hall’s new Ho-Chunk Nation banners before the end of the month

As part of its 175th anniversary, UW-Madison is celebrating the Ho-Chunk Nation with a new Bascom Hall banner.

Bascom Hall with Abe Lincoln statue in foreground

“Seed by Seed” was unveiled as part of UW-Madison’s 175th anniversary celebration. | Photo by 608today

UW-Madison is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, and part of that celebration includes the commission of some new decor for Bascom Hall.

During the month of November, three large banners are donning the face of Bascom Hall to celebrate the Ho-Chunk Nation.

The triptych piece of art titled “Seed by Seed” draws inspiration from traditional bandolier patterns, basketry, and the use of natural fibers.

Here’s what some of the banner’s elements represent:

Close-up of Ho-Chunk banner

Take a closer look at Bascom’s new banners. | Photo by 608today

  • Two water spirits are depicted on the center banner, touching tails. Fun fact: There is a double-tailed water spirit effigy mound right around the corner on Observatory Hill
  • Above each water spirit are abstract Ws, a nod to UW-Madison
  • The green rings on the outer banners represent Madison’s four lakes — Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa
  • Patches within those green rings symbolize the different colors that reflect on the lakes throughout the day
  • Across the bottom of the entire piece are symbols of the 12 Ho-Chunk clans — Thunder, Warrior, Eagle, Pigeon, Bear, Buffalo, Deer, Wolf, Elk, Fish, Water Spirit, and Snake

While the banners will come down at the end of the month, they will return in the spring as part of Bascom Hall’s regular banner rotation.

More from 608today
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Madison, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
Football season is upon us, and we have the need-to-know info about the Badgers + how to make the most out of game days.
Here’s what makes Madison a great sports city.
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up some gyms and fitness offerings around Madison.
Consider these our Hollywood signs.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in Madtown.
Mad City and Wisconsin will be well represented on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics — these are some Olympians to watch.
Grab your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Madison.
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Madison nod there — these craft beers found around Mad City take local pride seriously.