The buffalo was the staff of life for most Plains Indian Nations. Today the buffalo is still a central part of life, from food to ceremony. Originally drawn on the ledger paper used across much of John's work, this particular piece pays tribute to the power and sacrifice that the buffalo continues to give.
The bold design incorporates important symbols from Blackfeet art to depict rich concepts in a lively, graphic way. The lifeline, or sacred breath of the buffalo is represented here with an arrow, and the circles along the top and bottom borders depict stars. The cross symbol at the top of the design represents the Morning Star, which plays an important role in creation and ceremony among Plains Indian Nations.
Emulating the breathtaking colors of the Montana skies, this stunning wool pays tribute to the vibrant Plains Indian Horse culture.
The first horse that came to the Blackfeet (Piikani) became known as the Elk Dog, revolutionizing the way we were able to hunt and becoming an integral part of everyday life on the Plains. Here, the horses are painted as they would have been before going on a hunt, raid, or into battle - with circles above their eyes to make them see farther and lightning on their bodies to make them run faster.
Being a member of the Piikani band of the Blackfoot Confederacy, it was important to me to represent the horse on my first wool blanket. It's still such a major part of our lives on the Plains today - the Plains Indian horse culture is alive and well!