From Savage to Citizen mural 1964 World's Fair

Updated August 22, 2026

The "From Savage to Citizen" mural is a 100-foot-long, five-panel painting by artist Douglas Riseborough, showcased at the Pavilion of 2000 Tribes during the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair. The pavilion and artwork were sponsored by the Wycliffe Bible Translators, chronicling the transformation of Amazonian tribal members—specifically Chief Tariri—through missionary work and language translation. The massive mural accompanied exhibits of indigenous artifacts and was a visual timeline: The "Savage": Depicted tribal life, including figures engaged in Amazonian hunting and warfare. The "Citizen": Transitioned into images of translation, showing Wycliffe missionaries, the creation of phonetic alphabets, and community building.