The Activities of Society
These panels represent the activities of society and central bonds of human life. They are Labor, Law, Public Spirit, and Religion.
The Aspects of Life in Nebraska
In the ceiling arches are twelve panels representing the aspects of life in Nebraska. They include the Homebuilder, Pioneer Mother, Teacher, Pupil, Flower Girl, Ball Player, Scholar, Scientist, Architect, Artist, Statesman, and Philosopher.
Past, Present, and Future
The entire Foyer ceiling is split into three sections, representing their respective themes. “Traditions of the Past” depicts The Recorder holding a stone tablet documenting ancient wisdom. “Life of the Present” includes The Spinner who weaves the fabric of time. “Ideals of the Future” shows The Foreseer who looks expectantly forward into the future.
The Sun
The Vestibule’s theme is “the gifts of nature to man on the plains”. The sun lies at the center of the dome and represents the ultimate gift to man.
Vestibule Seasons
The four seasons are depicted as women in the Vestibule. Spring depicts a woman wearing a shawl of green and red. At her feet, flowers rise from the ground. Summer depicts a woman wiping sweat from her brow. Fall depicts a woman carrying a basket with the fruits of harvest. Winter depicts a woman wrapped…
Vestibule Zodiacs
Four traditional zodiac signs are found in the vestibule: Cancer, Libra, Aries, and Capricorn.
The Fruits of the Soil
The eight vignettes of the vestibule dome are edged in gold and represent the First Fruits of the Soil: Fruit, Maize, Flowers, Grasses, Sheep, Swine, Wheat, and Cattle
Four Moments of Agriculture
The four pendentives depict the actions of working the land: plowing, sowing, cultivating, and reaping
Vestibule Animal Panels
The soffits of the vestibule depict native animals and birds: weasel, bison, badger, opossum, bald eagle, chipmunk, great horned owl, raccoon, bear, bobcat, cogar, mallard duck, wolf, jack rabbit, and elk.
Sun Disk
The ceiling mosaics in the Warner Chamber depict Naitive American activities including agriculture, buffalo hunts, war parties, and a peace council. This was meant to contrast with the Age of Settlement theme planned for the Norris Chamber. Situated in the center of the four panels, is the Sun Disk.
