Stefani Fine Art

The Pinnacle of the Opposable Thumb

A New Life by Christina Stefani

Amphitheater-II-Christina-Stefani

Celilo Falls A Thoughtful Moment

Celilo Falls Salmon Catch

Imagine a place where the powerful echo of falling water resonates through the air, where cascading waterfalls and rapids cut through the rugged terrain. Celilo Falls, also known as Wyam, was once such a place. This historic waterfall on the Columbia River in Oregon was a magnificent sight. It was once the largest falls in North America, larger than Niagra Falls.

For over 10,000 years, Celilo Falls was a bustling activity center for Native American tribes. It served as a crucial fishing and trading hub, providing a vital food source and facilitating the exchange of goods. The wooden platforms perched at the edge of the falls were where skilled Native American fishermen deftly caught salmon, a tradition that spanned generations.

In 1957, the falls were submerged with the construction of The Dalles Dam. The photographs in this collection capture the essence of Celilo Falls during one of its final fishing ceremonies in 1956, preserving the memory of this culturally significant site.

The Pinnacle of the Opposable Thumb

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