Providing Western Art Since 1979

According to Thomas Mails in the "Mystic Warriors of the Plains," in the life of the Indian, the duty of daily prayer was the one consistent duty. It was essential to recognize the Unseen and Eternal. Daily devotions were more necessary than daily food. Each soul must meet the morning sun, the new sweet earth, and the Great Silence alone.

"When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light. Give thanks for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and give thanks for the joy of living. And, if perchance you see no reason for giving thanks, rest assured the fault is in yourself."

In this print, Bob is depicting an Indian doing his religious duty. The print is rich with all of the symbols of a worship service. In the background is the sweat lodge which is used for purification of the body. Sweat lodges are still in great use by modern day Indians. The buffalo skull in front of the worshipper is the altar. The buffalo provided the life blood for the Indian and was greatly respected for its gifts. On top of the skull are some medicine bags that would be the subject of prayer. The flags by the skull represent the four directions. It was necessary to pray to all four.

Other symbols include the stakes with the eagle head, medicine wheels and feathers. Both of these are powerful symbols. The feathers are from hawks, eagles, and scissor-tails.

The ceremony is taking place on a star blanket. The blanket itself has a number of significant symbols on it . In front of the Indian is a tobacco pouch to accompany the pipe in the subject's hands.

Bob has captured so much detail in the print, "The Altar" will provide enough discussion material for years of enjoyment.

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