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DESCRIPTION
An American Indian
chief is depicted wearing a dramatic eagle-feather
bonnet, decorated with beadwork. Eagle feathers hang
from either side of the headdress. His face is deeply
lined but shows great pride. A robe worn around his
shoulders covers much of the blue jacket worn
underneath. His hair has been divided into two sections
and wrapped with strips of fur. A multi-strand necklace
is worn on his chest. Multiple colorations of patinas –
from blue to varied browns to black – have been employed
to impart additional interest and richness to the
sculpture.
Certified Appraisal Report (2010) condition: “Excellent”
Artist Inspiration and Story
Throughout the recorded history of
the American Indians, there have been many great
leaders. All of them loved their people and served their
people, not themselves. But the greatest of all was
Chief Joseph, for he loved all humanity - all life, not
just his own people. He was a civil chief a member of
the council of leaders. His authority, though subtle and
kind, was more durable than a war chiefs, for it was
acquired through dignity, calmness, dedication and
principles. His words were respected by Indians and
whites alike.
Circumstances befell the great Nez Perce' nation that
forced Chief Joseph into the role of War Chief, and
history records what a brilliant strategist he was.
Truly great leaders will avoid war as much as possible.
Chief Joseph, pursued by thousands of
U.S. soldiers coming from many directions, led some 400
men, women and children, with all their cattle and
belongings over a 1,500 mile trek through some of the
west's most difficult and hostile country; in the dead
of winter, zig-zagging, doubling back and constantly
looking for ways to avoid conflict with the soldiers.
When a battle could not be avoided, and with only a
small number of warriors, he would turn and fight, and
prevail. After each such battle, he would gather his
people and continue his objective: to reach Canada and
join Chief Sitting Bull. Some 40 miles from the border,
with sub-zero weather, weak and starving people, most of
his warriors killed, he was overtaken. During the night
before his surrender, Chief Joseph sent his strongest
people on to Canada, among them his wife and new-born
child. He sent his brother as their leader. He never saw
his wife and child again.
He himself stayed with those who needed him most - those
who could not go on. On a bitter cold dawn in Northern
Montana, Chief Joseph surrendered with these words: "Our
chiefs are killed...The old men are all dead...The
little children are freezing to death...My people, some
of them have run away to the hills and have no blankets,
no food. No one knows where they are, perhaps freezing
to death. I want to have time to look for my children
and see how many of them I can find. Maybe I can find
them among the dead. Hear me, my chiefs. My heart is
sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will
fight no more forever."
"In my portrait of Chief Joseph, I have tried to capture
in his face, his wisdom, his love and forgiveness and to
halo him with a war bonnet. Experience the feeling, the
presence of Chief Joseph."
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