Holy Man of the Blackfoot by western artist Howard Terpning

Holy Man of the Blackfoot by Howard Terpning.

 

"Painted horses and buffalo on the tipi liner document that this man was once a brave warrior and skilled hunter. His personal adornment, particularly his leggings, include references to many coup - of rifles captured, lances taken, and victoris won." Howard Terpning.

 

This Blackfoot medicine man, once valiant, now aging, warrior with silver hair and weathered brow sits in prayer or private ceremony. The ancient one looks aloft toward greater spirits or memories past. With gnarled hand, he holds aloft the dark feathers of an eagle and offers words of experience to the unseen. His braided hair and topknot, striped leggings, shell necklace and eagle feather fan are all signs of his spiritual authority. Once more, with skill and compassion, Terpning shows again why he is known as the "storyteller of the Native American."

 

Canvas released 1997.