Description

24” x 16”

This piece of Bird Chief, the Second War Chief of the Arapahoes, serves as a poignant homage to a significant figure in indigenous history. Based on a black and white photograph captured by the multifaceted artist and explorer W.H. Jackson, this piece embodies a powerful reflection on the intersection of cultures, histories, and the enduring legacy of Native American leaders.

I chose to depict Bird Chief on ledger paper to symbolize the profound cost that Native communities paid as others advanced their lives in the burgeoning nation now known as America. Each mark on the ledger paper represents more than just numbers; it signifies the sacrifices, struggles, and the unyielding spirit of those who faced the complex challenges of their time.