"Turtle Talk"
10" x 6" x 3.5"
Kiowa Woman with 2 Children The Kiowa were originally living in the Yellowstone River and Black Hills area of Montana and South Dakota respectively. Around 1800 their southern movement brought them to Colorado and Oklahoma and into Mexico. Considered among the most warlike, nomadic tribes, all members were warriors including many women. The women portrayed carries a Zuni Pot she has “liberated”. Her belt is studded with Spanish conchos. She wears high-top moccasins, usually painted and quilled. On her back is a typical Kiowa cradleboard with studded “picket-fence” style backboards and hardened buffalo skin head shade and guard. This infant is fully protected from falls off horseback or other mishap. The nomadic life and diet resulted in a low birth rate for these tribes. Many women had just one child in their life; consequently their children were precious to them and well-protected. This Kiowa warrior-mother has two children - indeed a blessing. Her young son teases a turtle, the Kiowa symbol for fertility. | "Windsong"
15.5" x 9" x 8"
Northern Cheyenne A courtship serenade Much has been written about the battles, hunts and nomadic life of the Plains people. The gentle side is often overlooked in artistic representations. “Wind Song” depicts that gentle, thoughtful side of a typical Cheyenne courtship. Each young man carved his own flute, or flageolet, from reeds, cedar or other woods. He then composed his own signature song which he played before a young woman he might like to court. Later, he would play his composition away from the camp. If she thought well of him as a suitor, she would follow his song and listen while he played.
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