Buffalo Priming Horns

Here are 2 horns I completed, one I rubbed with red ochre and the other with cadmium blue oil paint. After looking at a George Catlin book studying the colors, blue paint was hard to obtain on the western plains. I know also that during the fur trade era oil paints were sold at a few trading posts. This is my reason for the blue paint.

Indian Head Knife

This I made using recycled materials like a chokecherry branch and an old metal barrel hoop for a blade. Other recycled materials are brass wire and old tin for cones. Brass tacks for eyes and some green earth paint add to the piece.

Carved Stone Ball

This piece a made after seeing an original years ago. My ole friend Don Hacket used to arrowhead hunt back in the day. He found a ball carved out of black steatite (soapstone). I made one to the detail as the original that's in my collection now. I carved this out of scrap talc stone I found here local. Next I then painted a bright green and red for the dots.

Finger Trophys

Well here is a flashback photo, I have seen pictures in books of Plains Indian collected finger necklaces. I made many attempts to replicate these little things. This is my first real batch that I made. Imagine that it was belief that if you removed your enemy's finger in the next world he wouldn't be able to use it.

Grave Marker

I am always looking and researching for items that are odd but with a historical significance. This marker is in a museum in SD and it struck me. So this museum claims these markers were used around the Black Hills region and Custer Battle Field. Anyways I had to make one ! Needless to say it was hair raising to event to take a picture. I found some thick sage overgrowth in the desert and snapped this picture. I believe that a historical society had these made in the 1890's..

Battle Trophy

I have always wanted to find a piece like this laying out on the ground here in Wyoming. Needless to say that will never happen.. Try to imagine on horseback trying to bring a Bison down with your bow.. You have made the bow and straighten out a wild rose stem for an arrow. The trade point sharpened razor sharp to penetrate the thick hide of a bison. What happens if you miss your mark ?? Well the great bison carries all your hard work away as a "Battle Trophy".

Bison Rawhide Cutouts

I had cut these out a year ago, struggling to accurately paint them the whole time. Giving in I finally pulled them out and painted a simple design. Braintan leather lace and a few beads...