"For my work, I have chosen realism because I think that it presents a greater challenge," wrote Mr. Geiger. "In depicting historic subjects it can and will help preserve our heritage and culture."

This tribute to the Eastern Shoshoni statesman, Chief Washakie, was a vision of Pershing Geiger's. Washakie's philosophy of "Making the best of what you cannot change" led the Shoshoni tribe to offer peace to emigrants. Nine thousand pioneers signed a thank you document to Washakie and his people for safe passage through their territory. Washakie secured the Wind River Mountain Range for his tribe's homeland.

The casting process required many steps. First, rubber in 3/16" thickness was molded over the plaster original in 18 pieces. Then the rubber pieces were each painted with wax to form the statue in wax, essentially. Rubber is then peeled away from the wax. A ceramic shell is built up over the 18 wax pieces. The pieces are vented and the wax is melted out. The ceramic pieces are then cleaned out and molten bronze is poured in. The pieces are then allowed to set up and cool. Each piece is then sandblasted, and all the pieces are welded together. Metal chasing is required to eliminate the seams. It is sandblasted again and a patina is applied through heat and chemicals. The last step is to apply lacquer to seal the bronze.