Fearless and Free

Acrylic on Canvas and 30" x 24" Unframed.Designed to strike fear into the hearts ofenemies, garments like this proliferatedacross the Great Plains before theconfines of reservations. Worn by fiercemounted warriors streaking horsebackacross open country, bound only byloyalty to family and tribe, each wasimbued with the most personal ofprotective medicine. Hawk bells, feathersof eagles, and carefully dyed quills ofvarious birds summoned the strength ofthe magnificent creatures of the sky.Beadwork proudly identifying theirparticular tribes, faux bullet holesimplying impunity, and scalp locksgathered in battles past spoke clearly ofthe success of that medicine, and thewarrior who possessed it.L.D.