The Mission of the Columbia Gorge Museum is to assemble, collect, preserve, exhibit, and make available for future generations the historical data, information, and artifacts, obtained for the education and experience of the residents and visitors. 

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We are proud to have permission from the Yakama Nation allowing the Columbia Gorge Museum to share the story of the petroglyph/pictograph, Tsagaglalal, or She Who Watches. The original image was moved to a cliff overlooking the Columbia River at Columbia Hills State Park in Washington when dams were introduced to the river. This is a protected image for which we hold in deep respect.

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On June 14, 1987, Nelson Moses, a spokesman for the Wishram band of the Yakama Nation, dedicated Tsagaglalal’s spirit to the Columbia Gorge Museum project. A solemn ceremony was held on site which holds the original artwork. The ceremony was performed in the language of her people, based on the ancient bell ritual of the Washat religion, granting permission for her stylized image to represent this humble museum, holding many people’s stories.

 

Tsagaglalal is one of the best examples of original art painted by the Chinookan People. Archeologists do not have an exact date for her origin.