Prairie Shade by western artist Howard Terpning

Prairie Shade by Howard Terpning.

 

"The Plains Indian took whatever the white man brought to trade and adapted it to his own purpose. This Sioux warrior has acquired a simple parasol through trading and has transformed it into a prized possession that is purely Indian. The parasol has been painted with mystic symbols, like those that might be used on lodge coverings or war shields, and has had bits of ribbons and feathers attached. Such an object is a statement of the owner's individuality, as are the bright trade ribbons wrapped around his braids and the horse medicine stick on his arm." (Spirit of the Plains People - Don Hedgpeth).

 

Print released 1996.