Bravest of the Brave

Although the details of my sculptures are authentic and based upon extensive research, the majority of the figures in my sculptures are a composite of this research and no actual historical figure.

Petalesharo, a new addition to my Native American collection is different.  Petalesharo (Man Chief) is an actual historical figure, a Pawnee warrior of the Skidi tribe, who was born in 1797 in what is now known as Nebraska.  He is most famous for his protests against the sacred and religious spring solstice traditions of the Skidi Pawnee.  He vehemently opposed the ritual in which they captured a young child from an enemy tribe and offered her in sacrifice to the Morning Star, one of their tutelary gods. 

He was about 20 years old when he is said to have rescued a Comanche maiden from the sacrificial pyre, cutting the bonds that held her, carrying her to a horse to escape, then feeding and protecting her as he led her back to the safety of her tribe.   Missionaries in the area heard of Petalesharo’s bravery and soon the story of his heroic deeds was printed in newspapers around the United States, even as far east as Washington D. C.  

In the winter of 1821-1822, Petalesharo was one of the 16 member delagation of Native American chiefs that went to Washington on a trip organinzed by the superintendent of Indian Affairs.  The intent of the trip was to impress the Natives with the power and wealth of the white man and ideally persuade them to end their warfare against American settlers.  He was greeted by President Monroe, his cabinet, most of Congress, and the entire Supreme Court. 

He was also invited to the home of  young Mary Rapine, a student in Miss White’s Seminary for Select Young Ladies, where he was presented with an award in honor and commemoration of his brave act.  The little Washington schoolgirl dressed in crisp crinoline, her pretty face ringed with curls and her young heart thumping in her chest like an imprisoned bird, held up a velvet ribbon from which hung a silver medal.  The handsome Indian, his face streaked with red and black paint, bent down.  The girl carefully placed the ribbon about his neck.  Petalesharo with great dignity thanked the schoolgirl for her kindness.  The medal was inscribed  “To the Bravest of the Brave”.

“Petalesharo”            29″h x 17″w x 19″d           $6500          Limited Edition of 12